David LeRoy Thornburg

David LeRoy Thornburg, 85, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 26, 2025, following a blessed day at his granddaughter's wedding. Dave was born February 5, 1940, in Kansas City, Kans., to the Rev. Wilmer Neil Thornburg and Alta DeLoras Belcher Thornburg. He attended Cecil Elementary and Cecil High in McDonald, and graduated from Southeast High in Wichita, Kans. As a young man, Dave enjoyed hunting and trapping, cross country, wrestling and football. Dave married Brenda Joyce Hawkins August 10th, 1959. Settling in Wichita, Dave earned a B.S. in Education from Wichita University while working in the lighting department of the university. Dave taught at both Hills Henderson Elementary and Canon McMillan Senior High School and pursued several other occupations, including upholsterer, salesman, chauffeur, entrepreneur, inventor and business manager. Dave leaves behind three children, Dean Alan Thornburg, Mark LeRoy Thornburg, and Suzanne Lynn Thornburg Reeser, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a brother; a brother-in- law; two sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and many dear friends. There will be a private graveside service Friday, November 14. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Dave's life that afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Chartiers Bend Retirement Resort in Bridgeville, where Dave had resided.