Virgil C. Thornburg

Virgil C. Thornburg, 85, was born on March 7, 1927 to Edmund Earl and Hulda Ellen Thornburg in Knob Noster, Missouri. He spent most of his school years in Butler, Missouri and graduated from Butler High School in 1945. Virgil moved to Colorado in the same year. From 1946 to 1947 he served in the army as a musician. His career was with Western Electric, a division of AT&T, in various capacities from 1947-1983, and he retired as a "Methods Specialist."

Virgil was optimistic and energetic. He enjoyed people and had many friends. He was very active in the Telephone Pioneers of America Association, the Visiting Nurse Association, Western Electric Clowns and the International Footprint Association. He joined on several Santa Goodwill Tours, traveling to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Greece and Europe.

Virgil loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. One of his hobbies was fishing in the Colorado waters. He also made many annual trips to Minnesota to catch Walleye and Pike.

Our "Uncle Virgil" was a loving brother, uncle, companion and friend. He was full of fun and was quick to share a joke or story. He was understanding and a good listener and always very generous.

Virgil was pre-deceased by his sister Yvonne Wilson, brother Edmund Earl Thornburg, Jr., and nephew Franklin G. Lankford. He is survived by his sister Dorothy M. Lankford (Frank Lankford), many nieces and nephews, and his companion Jo Marie Wells.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012, 12pm, in the Chapel of Peace located on the grounds of Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery.