Howard D. Thornburg

Howard D. Thornburg, 92, of Winchester, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home in Lagrange, Indiana.

He was born February 24, 1929, to the late Marvin H. Thornburg and the late Irene (Robinson) Thornburg. 

Mr. Thornburg was a dairy, hog and grain farmer south of Winchester on US 27.  He was struck with polio as a young man and spent many weeks in a hospital. He left the hospital in a wheel chair.  He used this as a motivation to return to his love as a farmer.  While his body was healing and getting stronger, he went to work at Overmyer Mould Company and began an apprenticeship to become a mould maker.  This gave him the time and financial opportunity he needed to achieve his goal of getting back to farming.

He was a member of the Jericho Friends Church of Winchester. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Wilsie (Knapp).  He was also preceded in death by his father and mother; his three brothers, Edwin, Robert and Ernest; one grandson, Andrew Thornburg; one nephew, Steve Heltzel and one niece, Susan Deem.

Survivors include a daughter, Diane Hartman of Yorktown, Indiana; two sons, Dan (wife Becky) of Columbia City, Indiana; and Dennis (wife Beth) of Sevierville, Tennessee.  He was also survived by nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, with the funeral immediately following at 2:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, Indiana. Interment will be at Fountain Park Cemetery immediately following the service.

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