Roger Thornbury

Roger Dale Thornbury, son of W.T. "Ted" and Jewel (McCutchen) Thornbury, was born October 8, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and is now pain free, after departing this life to enter his Heavenly home, on April 19, 2025, at the age of seventy-four years.
Roger made a profession of faith in Christ early in life and was baptized at Orla Baptist Church. He attended church over the years, as long as his health allowed.
Roger attended Lebanon High School and graduated with the class of 1968. He made friends easily and kept in touch with many of them. He didn't know a stranger, only friends he hadn't met yet. He always had time to visit and made sure those around him knew how important they were to him.
On December 8, 1989, Roger was united in marriage with Brenda Bartkoski. Together Roger and Brenda shared thirty-five years of laughter and love, triumphs and tears, side by side.
Roger spent the majority of his life in the Lebanon community. He worked at various places over the years to provide for his family. In his youth, he and his siblings worked at Thornbury Grocery, his parent's grocery store. He also worked as an insurance salesman for Farm Bureau Insurance for a period of time. He then worked as a machinist at Detroit Tool and as a salesman for Brown Derby/Bass Pro, Neil Twenter, Wrinkle Supply and LSK, until his health no longer allowed. Those who worked with Roger over the years, treasured the time shared and memories made together.
When he wasn't working, Roger enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and motorcycle racer. He also enjoyed not only playing softball, but when his boys were young, he coached baseball and softball with Babe Ruth Little League. He loved our community and was also an Optimist Club member.
Roger is survived by his wife, Brenda; two sons, Chris Thornbury and his wife Kristina of Bellevue, NE and Tim Thornbury of Lebanon, MO; one granddaughter, who was his pride and joy, Kierstin Thornbury; one sister, Barbara Shell of Lebanon, MO; nephew, John Eastburn and his wife Mandy and their family, all of Lebanon; brother-in-law, Joe Bartkoski and his friend Diona of Oklahoma; other relatives and many close friends.
Those preceding him in death include his parents; one brother, Stephen Thornbury; his little buddy, his precious grandson, Emmitt Alan Thornbury; mother-in-law, Bonnie Brandt; and one nephew, Justin Thornbury.
Roger loved his life and the people in it. He was always friendly and greeted everyone with a smile. He was the life of the party and unconditionally devoted to his family and friends. He was the type of person you could meet once and remember forever. He treasured every moment shared with his family, especially his precious granddaughter. Our lives were better because of Roger. He will be missed, but what a blessing to know we can one day spend eternity together because of the promise of Heaven.
Memorials have been suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors.
Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536