Phillip Hayse Thrasher

Phillip Hayse Thrasher, 83, of New Albany, Indiana passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013 with his family by his side. He was a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington and a U.S. Army veteran. Phil touched the lives of many young people through his numerous years of teaching in the classroom and coaching various sports. He taught physical education as well as driver's education, and coached both wrestling and boy's golf at NAHS. He was involved in several organizations including the VFW Post 1693 Hobart Beach, American Legion Post 28 Bonnie Sloan, Valley View Golf Course, New Albany Country Club, the Indiana I Men's Association, and a charter member of the New Albany Kiwanis Club.

In October of 2012, Phil was inducted into the NAHS Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Bloomington Legend Hall of Fame and was a recipient of the Billy Thom award. He was very proud of his accomplishments and more importantly proud of the many young lives he was able to touch.

Phil was born on January 14, 1930 in Bloomington to the late Chauncy W. and Ila (Turner) Thrasher. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara J. (Andrews) Thrasher; children, Debra Thomas (David), David Thrasher (Bonnie), Douglas Thrasher (Sharon), DeAnn Thrasher; sister, Jan Miles (Bob); 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.


Visitation will be from 12 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3309 Ballard Ln., New Albany). His Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11 AM at Depauw United Methodist Church (925 Vincennes Street, New Albany) with visitation beginning at the church after 10 AM. Entombment will follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Mercy-Providence Nursing Home for their love and care for Phil over the last 4 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NAHS Athletic Fund.