THORNBURG, Patey 'Pate'
Patey 'Pate' Thornburg passed away in the wee hours of December 2, 2012 after 97 years of a full and loving life. He was born on June 9, 1915 in Fanshawe, Oklahoma. An avid fisherman, there wasn't a body of water he wouldn't fish. He was full of love and faith for his fellow man. His belief in our heavenly father was soul deep and an integral part of how he lived his life. Pate was a beloved and accomplished educator for 32 years. He spent most all of his educational career as a teacher and principal at Rail Road Flat Elementary School. Pate was lucky in love, having been blessed in marriage to Alma Lillian Woolbright and later to Dorothy E. Bixler. Pate loved his children, Tony Thornburg (Kay), BJ Thornburg (Mary Ann), Patty Sweet (Mike); 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren as well as his 4 stepchildren and their families. He was often seen attending their school and sporting events. He loved children, almost magnetically attracted to tease and spoil every child he ever met. He was never happier then when surrounded by all his family. He will be sorely missed by all who felt the warmth of his presence. He was the oldest of 9 children and was preceded in this his final journey, by his siblings, his beloved wives, and his eldest son, Tony Thornburg. He will be welcomed by all of them with open arms.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation Thursday, December 6, 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Daneri Mortuary Chapel 415 Broadway, Jackson, CA and a funeral service on Friday, December 7, 2012, 1:00 PM at the Central Church of Christ, 13300 Trent Rd., Jackson, CA. Interment will be at the Garden of Golden Memories, Sunset View Cemetery, Jackson. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.danerimortuary.com and signing the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr. Thornburg was my teacher from 4th grade to eight grade. He was a kind and caring person. He always use to say "You're barking up the wrong tree", or snots not a verb, meaning not and we would all laugh. I have so many memories of him and his wife, they were the family we never had. What a great teacher and mentor. I know this is late, but never the less I will miss him. I tell my kids of stories of growing up with Mr. Thornburg and his wife, the kindness of only the adults that were in our lives. Thank you so much.
JANET PECCI-CAMPBELL
November 10, 2013
I have so many memories of Mr. Thornburg from having him as a teacher & from seeing him at all the kids/grandkids sports events. He was an awesome man. R.I.P. You will be missed!
Terry McCoy Avallon
December 7, 2012
You were my princapal,my teacher, my jr relay coach, my flag football coach and ride to and from the games.you were always there when i didnt feel good and was there to tell me and Dale Standard to behave when we were acting up during recess.we will always remember you and thank you for being a big part of Rail Road Flat Elementary.
Robert (Giallanza) Gartin
Robert (giallanza) Gartin
December 7, 2012
I remember your family when we went to church in Poteau.Never thought I would some day be connected to the family through marriage. Jimmie (Hicks)Thornburg is my wife's sister.
Jack Rogers
December 7, 2012
Patey Thornberg was and always will be a valued member of the Calaveras Unified School District Family. All of us in this family morn his loss.
December 7, 2012
The Dennis Mason family wish to send their love and respect to one great Principal and Teacher. Thank you for sharing him with so many .
Dennis Mason
December 6, 2012
Patty and family, My condolences to you all.
Barbara Smith
December 6, 2012
Patty-He will be missed at family reunions!
I will always remember our trip to CA with him and Tony Ralph.
Lois "Maggie" Thornburg-Jozens
December 6, 2012
My sincere condolences....
Linda Phelps
December 5, 2012
Dear Patty,
I am very sorry to have heard about the death of your father. I am sure your father had a grand role in the person you are- you are patient, kind, a friend. Please extend my condolences to your family.
Patsy Barnett
December 5, 2012
Rest with the angels, Uncle Pate.
Connie Woolbright-Harjo
December 5, 2012
Patty, Mike and boys
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Always remember him going to the boys baseball games. Please give my best to your family, you are all in my prayers.
Bev Z. Sterling
Bev Sterling
December 5, 2012
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