Theldon L. Thornburgh

Eaton, IN

Theldon L. Thornburgh, 96, veteran of WWII and long-time resident of Eaton, died on October 17, 2022 at his home.

Theldon was born at home in Upland, Indiana to Harrison and Bertha (Monroe) Thornburgh on January 20, 1926. After school, Theldon was drafted into the Army and earned his Parachutists Badge prior to serving in the 101st and 82nd Airborne. Theldon served in the European Theater, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium.

In 1951 he married, Bernice L. Jones and together they would raise their family in Eaton. Theldon drove trucks for a living, hauling produce as an independent contractor. He loved racing side-car motorcycles and in 1959 was awarded AMA racer of the year for racing in the most races. Overall, Theldon loved to garden, rooting for the Colts and all animals especially birds and his birdhouses.

Theldon is survived by his children: Lyn Sorensen, William Thornburgh (Patsy), Rita Miller (Bob), Candy Brown and Tim Thornburgh; daughter-in-law, Mary Thornburgh; several grand and great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife of 53 years, Bernice, he was preceded in death by a son, Theldon “Bud” Thornburgh and six siblings: Theron, Clyde, Lloyd, Glenn, Fayma and Margaret.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022 at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton with Pastor Mark Wilkerson officiating. Burial with Military Funeral Honors by the Delaware County Veterans Honor Guard will follow at Eaton Union Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th and after 10:00 a.m. Friday.

Visit PitmanRichman.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory with his family.

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