Todd M. Thornhill

Todd M. Thornhill, 61, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on April 8, 2022 in Springfield. Todd was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 7, 1961, to Ron and Donna Thornhill. He graduated from Pattonville High School in 1979. He graduated from Missouri State University in 1983. He earned a law degree from University of Missouri School of Law in 1987 and settled in Springfield, Missouri. Todd was in private practice until 1994 when he became the Chief Judge of the Springfield Municipal Court of the 31st Judicial Circuit. He was widely respected as a fair and impartial jurist. Todd was instrumental in improving the municipal court system throughout the State of Missouri. He was appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to several committees and commissions dedicated to developing processes and procedures for municipal courts. Todd was considered to be one of the leading experts in Missouri on municipal court practice and mentored judges throughout the state. His leadership in truancy, teen and homeless courts also made a positive impact.
Off the bench, Todd participated in activities that combined his love of community, sports and young athletes. One of Todd's favorite past-times was refereeing young athletes in Upward Basketball and coaching youth sports. Todd served as a volunteer judge for mock trial programs and for the Teen Court Program operated by the 31st Circuit's Juvenile Court. He was a board member for the Ozark Regional YMCA for many years. An avid golfer, Todd was an officer for the Twin Oaks Country Club, serving as President in 2014. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.
Todd married Cindy Hyde in 1989. He shared his passion for basketball and golf with his son Ryan. Todd's favorite activity was watching Ryan play ball. Todd and his family also enjoyed spending time at their condo on Sanibel Island. Todd loved biking around the island, watching wildlife and walking on the beach.
Todd is survived by his wife Cindy, and his son, Ryan, of Dallas, Texas; his mother, Donna Thornhill of Kimberling City, Missouri; his father Ron Thornhill of St. Louis, Missouri; and his brother Lance Thornhill of St. Louis, Missouri.
A private family service will be held at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home. A celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a future date. The family appreciates the outpouring of sympathy and support.
In lieu flowers, memorial contributions in Todd's name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 West Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.