Richard "Rick" Thornburg

Richard “Rick” Thornburg, 86, of Huntsville, MO, passed away in his home surrounded by family, Friday June 2, 2023.

Rick was born to Ed Thornburg & Mona (Herriman) Thornburg, September 21, 1936 in Moberly, MO at Woodland Hospital.  On September 9, 1958 Rick married Nadine in Huntsville, MO and they spent 64 years together.

He grew up in Huntsville and wherever he lived, he always considered Huntsville his home. As kids, his brother Ted and he milked cows with the help of their mother who washed and filled bottles. They sold their milk locally.

Their only dog growing up was named, 'Sometime.' They knew sometime they would get to have a dog "sometime" in their childhood.

Every day you could see them riding their horses, Powderface and Demples, all over Huntsville and to school. They would turn the horses loose when they arrived at school. They had to walk home. Lateness was a problem, but they always attended school.

Their dad, Ed, told them, "Boys, always tell the truth, even if it takes hide and all." His dad's proverb defined Rick's way of life. He always told the truth, even when it hurt.

He had an 18-year perfect attendance at Sunday School at his church, The Methodist Church of Huntsville.

Rick graduated from Huntsville High School, MACC and The University of Missouri-Columbia. He achieved his goal of becoming a Wilson Company Cattle Buyer with a career spanning 30 years while living in several states. He called himself "The Farmer's Friend."

His last stop as a cattle buyer was in Cherokee, Iowa as an Assistant Head Cattle Buyer before he returned back home to Huntsville for good.

Rick liked to talk a little politics. He was a lifelong Democrat and loved every day that he represented Randolph County as a Commissioner for 20 years. During this time, he became President of Missouri Association of Counties (MAC). Rick help lobby to get the commissioners a 4-year term, and with support from state representatives, Bill 256 was passed and became state law.

He was fond of spending time on the family farm. Rick enjoyed raising calves, buying and selling cattle and going to livestock auctions. Rick also enjoyed time away with Nadine, antiquing and going to as many Gene Watson concerts as often as he could. One of his best-loved hobbies was raising and showing show chickens with his grandchildren. Claire, Luke's Modern Game chicken, was everyone's favorite of all. 

Rick is survived by his wife Nadine Thornburg of the home, his son’s Andy Thornburg and his wife Robyn and Matt Thornburg and his wife Diane, grandchildren Emily, Jessie, Owen, George, Haiden, Clifford, Luke and Brian, Great grand-children: Harden, Harper, Harmony, Finley and Faron, niece Leslie Withrow of Montana, nephews Brad Struna of Illinois and Mark Tuley of Georgia, also surviving is a sister in law Lu Smith.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ted Thornburg, parents In-law, Morris and Marie Brown and a sister in law Dottie Smith

Rick thought his greatest accomplishment of all was being a good husband to Nadine and a good father to Andy and Matt. His family was his pride and joy. Rick lived a full, happy life as a good man who loved Jesus. He will be greatly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: Huntsville United Methodist Church.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation at Cater Funeral Home. A Funeral service honoring Rick’s life was held in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. A private Committal prayer and burial will take place at a later date.