Heath couple raises six sons, six Eagle Scouts

Heath couple raises six sons, six Eagle Scouts
The sons of Heath residents Ed and Debbie Thatcher have all attained the rank of Eagle Scout. From left, Joshua, Benjamin, Cameron, Jonathan, Christopher and Logan Thatcher.

(HEATH – October 21, 2013) Six sons. Six Eagle Scouts.

And all are enjoying successful, service-oriented careers or are on their way to establishing one.

That’s the legacy that Heath residents Ed and Debbie Thatcher have created as they raised their sons with a life centered around the activities and core values of the Boy Scout organization.

“The Boy Scout program teaches hard work, leadership and the importance of staying active, being involved in good activities, and remaining morally and physically clean,” said Debbie, who was a Cub Scout Den Leader for each of the boys. “We felt it was very important for our boys to work hard to attain the rank of Eagle.”

“The Boy Scout program helped our boys increase their confidence as they learned to accomplish hard tasks,” added Ed, who is the City Manager for the City of Heath and has served as a Scoutmaster for many years. “The experiences they gained by being a Boy Scout helped them obtain college degrees, learn foreign languages, and launch careers to become contributing citizens of our Country.”

As each one of the boys earned their Eagle Award over the course of 16 years, the younger brothers were motivated to also attain the award.  In addition to family support in this endeavor, the Thatcher boys had the support of their church family.

“The Boy Scout program is the adopted activity for the young men in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Debbie. “As members in this Church, each of our sons was presented with the challenge to earn his Eagle.”

Debbie and Ed’s encouragement and participation was more than “writing the check” or “driving the taxi.”  While Debbie used her teaching talents to corral and engage the younger Cubs, Ed spent many a hot or cold night in a tent sleeping on the ground at campouts, and attended each of the boys’ week-long summer camps.  Ed is a Woodbadge-trained adult leader, has served on the District Committee in the Tawakoni District for many years, and currently serves on the East Trinity Trails District Committee.  He has earned the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver.

But the sacrifices of time and comfort were clearly worth it, when you review the highlights of each son’s accomplishments.

Benjamin Thatcher– received Eagle on October 4, 1992 at the age of 14 while a freshman at Greenville High School and a member of Troop 326. Ben earned 23 merit badges. For his service project, he coordinated efforts to provide appropriate educational materials and toys for the nursery program in his church. He served a two-year LDS mission in Paris, France, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from University of North Texas. He is now the Assistant City Manager of Southlake, Texas.

Jonathan Thatcher– received Eagle on January 3, 1997 at the age of 16 while a junior at Greenville High School. He was an Explorer Scout and member of Post 326. Jonathan earned 24 merit badges. For his service project, he acquired and installed a permanent lighted flagpole and plaque at the church meetinghouse in Greenville. He served a two-year LDS mission in Geneva, Switzerland, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a doctor of jurisprudence at Texas Wesleyan University. He is now an Assistant District Attorney for Rockwall County.

Christopher Thatcher– received Eagle in joint Court of Honor with his brother Jonathan on January 3, 1997 at the age of 15 while a freshman at Greenville High School. He was a Varsity Scout member of Team 326 and earned 28 merit badges. For his service project, Chris coordinated a Christmas tree recycling program for the City of Greenville (Greenville Recycles).  Christopher served a two-year LDS mission in Tampico, Mexico, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from University of Phoenix. He is a municipal court clerk in Plano, where his Spanish fluency is a great advantage in serving the local citizens.

Joshua Thatcher– received Eagle on January 10, 1998 at the age of 15 while a freshman at Greenville High School. He was a Varsity Scout member of Team 326 and earned 24 merit badges. For his service project, Joshua acquired and placed reference books and materials in the Greenville Family History Library (Greenville meetinghouse). He served a two-year LDS mission in Catania, Italy, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a medical degree from Texas Tech University School of Medicine.  He is a resident physician at Boston University Medical Center.

Cameron Thatcher– received Eagle on May 14, 2003 at the age of 17 while a senior at Greenville High School. He was a Venturer member of Crew 326 and earned 21 merit badges. For his service project, Cameron coordinated efforts to provide appropriate educational materials and toys for the nursery program in his church. He served a two-year LDS mission in Kiev, Ukraine, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He is an investment banker for Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Dallas.

Logan Thatcher– received Eagle on August 25, 2013 at the age of 18 as a recent graduate of Rockwall-Heath High School. He was a Venturer member of Crew 157 in Heath, and earned 22 merit badges. For his service project, Logan coordinated and completed an environmental project for the City of Heath by installing warning plaques on storm drains in Heath. Logan is now attending Brigham Young University-Idaho where he is studying Business Management. Logan plans to serve a two-year mission for his church after completing two semesters at Brigham Young University-I.

“I always knew one day I would be an Eagle Scout, thanks to the examples set by my five brothers, my parents’ encouragement, and my church’s support” said Logan. “I have learned leadership skills that will help me not just on my mission and in college, but throughout my life.”

Submitted by Suzanne Brooke, Media/Community Relations Manager, City of Heath.

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