Thomas Jeffrey "Jeff/Teddy" Thornburg

1955 - 2018

Jeff Thornburg, 63, Blue Springs, Mo., passed away at home on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.

Jeff will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 29 years, Debbie, and their children, Rachel (Robert) Hall, New Braunfels, Texas, Leslie, St. Louis, Mo., and Jack, of the home.

Jeff was born to Jon A. and Marcia E. Thornburg in Richmond, Ind., on July 27, 1955.

The Thornburg family moved to Blue Springs in 1968 where he resided at the family home, Walnut Hills, the rest of his life.

He is survived by brothers Jon (Janet) and Joe (Lori), sister Becki (David) Lowry, brother-in-law Tim (Jody) Dalton, sister-in-law Kathy (Peter) Cipolla, numerous nieces and nephews and even more friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jon A. and Marcia E. Thornburg, and his brother, Jay Thornburg.

Jeff graduated in 1973 from Blue Springs High School where he participated in football and wrestling. He attended Central Missouri State University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1977. He then began his career at the United States Postal Service Philatelic division, retiring in 2009. While working at the Philatelic division, he went to school at Rockhurst University and graduated with an MBA in 1997. He was also on the Board of Directors for GEHA from 2007 until his death.

Jeff lived his life according to The Golden Rule which states: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He believed this was a simple but effective way to live and always treated others with kindness. He loved having fun and enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends. He would rarely be seen without a smile on his face. His passions included reading books from the public library, woodworking, and his family.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life for Jeff on Sunday, October 7th, from 12-5 p.m., at the Lake Tapawingo Clubhouse, 244 Dockside Drive, Blue Springs.

Jeff enjoyed wearing Hawaiian shirts so the family encourages guests to wear their boldest and brightest casual Hawaiian shirts in his honor.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, Jeff wanted memorial contributions to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Harvesters.