Allen Keith Thornbury

Allen Keith Thornbury, 73, passed away on Sept. 18, 2025. He was born on Feb. 27, 1952, in Paw Paw, Buchanan County, Virginia, to his parents, Allen Coleman Thornbury and Annare Dotson Jackson. He lived nigh on 50 years in Glenoma, Washington. He was one of four children and his siblings included Elizabeth Darlene Thornsbury, Connie Fame Vandecoevering and Linda Louise Justus.

Keith attended Coldwater High School, in Coldwater, Michigan and elementary school in Felicity, Ohio. Keith and Kathy were married at Jesus Name Church of Glenoma, in Glenoma, Washington. They spent 42 years together. They had two daughters, Valerie Michelle McKissick, (biological Mother, Jacqueline Beckham) and Megan Ranee’ Thornbury.

Keith worked construction since the age of 17 when he entered the field as a rock crusher and heavy equipment operator. He earned a reputation as a guy who loved driving trucks and could get the job done; log trucks, belly dumps, water trucks. You name it; if they built it, he could drive it! His favorite truck was an old, double- clutching, gear- jamming, lose a little religion while driving it Peterbuilt! He helped to build the highway to Mount St. Helens.

Keith was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and of No. 8, Dale Earnhardt. He enjoyed restoring vintage trucks and tinkering in his shop. In days gone by, pitching horseshoes was still a thrill. Back in the day, he was one of the champions in the Tacoma Horseshoe Tournament.

One of “Grandpa’s” favorite past times was a “Walk-A-Bout” in the backyard, introducing one of the grandchildren to nature. Grandpa would come back carrying one of the little ones. The little ones came back carrying a grasshopper, a rock or maybe a little race car or missing Tonka toy. They loved showing their discoveries to Grandma Kathy. Some of the treasures made it to the back porch – though sun faded with age – hang there or set in the rafters as memory minders of joyous times spent with Grandpa. Keith. He was preceded in death by his parents, father, Allen Coleman Thornbury of Paw Paw, Virginia; and mother, Annarae Dotson Jackson of Paw Paw, Virginia and Glenoma, Washington. And, by his sister, Linda Justus, of Paw Paw, Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Setzer Thornbury, of Glenoma, Washington; daughters, Valerie (Chad) McKissick, of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania and Megan (Tim) Clevenger, of Glenoma, Washington; grandchildren, Allison McKissick, Ian McKissick, Odin Clevenger and Loki Clevenger; sisters, Dar Thornsbury of Coldwater, Michigan, Connie Fame Vandecoevering, of Yoncalla, Oregon; uncle, Hubert (Connie Lynn) Dotson, of Rochester, Washington; aunt, Loyal Ruth (Bill) Parker, of Damascus, Virginia; and nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

The family would like to thank Pastor Greg Mattocks, of Yelm, Washington and Sticklin- Brown Funeral Chapel, Centralia, Washington: and a special thank you to the folks at Jesus Name Only Church in Glenoma, Glenoma, Washington.

A memorial graveside service will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Rainey Valley Cemetery on Scott Road in Glenoma, Washington. A Celebration of Life and potluck will follow at the Fellowship Hall at the Jesus Name Church in Glenoma, Glenoma Washington.