Koblar Thornton

Koblar Daniel "Butch" Thornton, 78, of Burlington, died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born on July 6, 1947, in Texarkana, Texas, he was the son of Koblar "Tex" and Margie (Bricker) Thornton.

He spent his childhood in the residential area at the I.A.A.P. where he made many lifelong friends.

Butch graduated from Burlington High School in the class of 1965. He then went on to Southeastern Community College and graduated with an associate's degree. Butch took great pride in being very active in the Burlington High School Class of 1965 Facebook page (external site, may require login).

Butch served his country as a U.S. Army Infantryman in Vietnam in Bravo Company 112 and received a First Combat Action Badge Div 1968-1969.

Butch had a long career working for Murray Iron Works/Dresser-Rand, part of which involved servicing turbines in Latin America and the Caribbean. After working thirty-plus years for the company, he decided it was time to retire in 2015.

Butch was a quiet man with a big heart. He could be counted on to contribute wry wit to any conversation. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing, and spent much time on the river with friends and family.

After retirement, he developed a love for riding motorcycles and made many epic road trips with his friend, Tom Wolfe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Koblar "Tex" and Margie (Bricker) Thornton and his beloved stepmother, Delores (Wills) Thornton, brother David Morris, and sister Alice (Thornton) Jackson.

Butch is survived by his wife, Sheila, his high school sweetheart whom he married in 2020 and her two daughters, Kim (Kris Olson) Burchett and Stacey (Brian) Lazear; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and his cousins. He is also survived by his son, Chad Bonser. All of whom will grieve his loss.

Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made by visiting the Lunning Chapel website.