Don Thornberry

Don Thornberry 75, of Carmel, passed away Wednesday, July 18. Don was born April 25, 1932 in Anderson, IN. He graduated from Howe Military School and attended Purdue University. His first career was with the family business, Carmel Screw Products. In 1966 he opened his first restaurant, The Bonanza Sirloin Pit, at 55th and Keystone Avenue, after which he opened Don Thornberry's Steak Place in Carmel. Don's children worked for him in the restaurants, which created a special closeness between them. In 1976, he became a real estate broker, and has sold real estate for the past 30 years. Don & Lyn helped over 2000 families find "home". During the last 10 years, Don and Lyn, "The Thornberry Team," have had the privilege of representing Ryland Homes of Indianapolis and Don was very proud of being a part of the Ryland family. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He was an avid golfer and bridge player. A huge movie fan, he often held "movie nights" at his house. In his younger years, he raced his Thistle sailboat in regattas at the Indianapolis Sailing Club, of which he was a member. He also crewed in several Chicago-Mackinac Sailboat Races. Interested in flying, Don obtained a Private Pilot's License and a Cessna to go with it, flying family and friends to fun destinations. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m. in Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 South Range Line Road, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Don is survived by his wife, Marilyn "Lyn" Thornberry; children, Cindy (David) Bushey, Phil (Patty) Thornberry, Kathy (Kevin) Patterson, Doug (Karen) Thornberry and Judy Julian; stepchildren, Rob (Kathy) Stiehl and Kimber (Gregg) Pasalich; grandchildren, Nathan (Jenny), Chris, Patrick, Kristen, Courtney, Jeff, Jessica, Michael, Kelly, Jeremy, Alec, Aleah, Dane and Derek; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Logan; brother, Vaughn (Thelma) Thornberry; sister-in-law, Edith Thornberry; 7 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Mable Dickens Thornberry; father, Virgil V. Thornberry; stepmother, Rachel Thornberry; brother, Bill Thornberry. Memorial contributions may be made to the Realtor Foundation (for the homeless) 1912 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis , IN 46202. Don loved life, his family and friends, and was a friend to every person he met. He saw every day as the best day of his life.