Mr. John Albert Thwaites, age 87, of Lancaster, passed away on December 27, 2025 at his residence. He was born November 21, 1938, in DeKalb, IL. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1956 to 1959. He and his family moved to New Jersey in 1978. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved first to Great Falls, South Caroline and then moving to Lancaster in 2017.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Beatrice Thwaites, his sister Shirl Van Whye, and daughter Catherine Craig.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary J. Thwaites, two sons, Shane Thwaites and Timothy (Kelly) Thwaites, and five daughters; Caron (Wayne) Ladick, Mary Kay (John) Haldeman, Christine (Richard) Germann, Polly White, and Tracy Sokolowski. 16 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren; he also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral service will be held on January 2, 2026 at 11 am at St. Matthews Church, Charlotte, NC. A private burial will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC.
Lancaster Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Thwaites.
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