Roy Francis Thornburg, Utica
https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg?fh_id=12067
April 7, 1937 - June 7, 2023
Roy F. Thornburg, 86, of Utica, KS passed away June 7, 2023, at his farm north of Utica. Roy was born April 7, 1937, in the old rock house at the family farm north of Utica. He was the son of Francis and Bertha (Daniels) Thornburg. Except for the five years he was off at college, Roy lived on the family homestead all his life.
Roy attended Smoky Vale School, was a 1955 graduate of Utica High School, and a 1960 graduate of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) majoring in agriculture. During college Roy worked at the college farm and delivered fresh milk to the FHSU residence halls in the early morning hours after milking cows.
On June 7th, 1959, Roy married Ailene O’Toole at the Arnold United Methodist Church, making their home on the family homestead in rural Ness County. From this union, three sons were born, Lance, Marlon, and Rodd. Following Ailene’s passing in 1994, Roy married Roxie (McNinch) Fore at the Arnold United Methodist Church on October 26, 2002.
In 1960 Roy started a dirt construction business, Thornburg Construction, building terraces, pits, dams, waterways, and lease roads in addition to operating his dozer in the oil field. He continued to operate the business for more than 60 years in Ness, Gove, Lane and Trego counties.
Roy is survived by his wife, Roxie (McNinch) Thornburg, of the home, his sons Lance (Susan), Great Bend, Marlon (Darla), Coffeyville, and Rodd (Tara), Quinter; grandchildren Payden (Kaitlyn), MacKenzie, Tieraney, Tate, Taya (Broc), and Jesse (Casey); great-grandson Branch; brother Wallie (Coralee); and sister-in-law Janice O’Toole, Utica; nieces Darla (Roger) Windholz, Shelly (Bill) Popplereiter; nephews Allen (Julia), and Darcy (Michelle). He is also survived by Roxie’s children Rachelle, Randall, and Ryan (Crystal); grandchildren Aric, Audrey, Jace, Brittany, Hannah, Ethan, and Jillian; and two great-grandchildren.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ailene; brother-in-law Patrick O’Toole; Roxie’s son Russell Fore, and daughter-in-law Debbie Fore.
Funeral service will be held at the Arnold United Methodist Church in Arnold, KS on Monday, June 12th, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow in the Utica Cemetery, Utica, KS. Viewing will be Sunday, June 11th from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City, KS.
Memorials are suggested for the Arnold Methodist Church in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home.
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