Grew up in holiday hills with Gary and shared many of shots at the break and thorns ,,,sad to hear of his passing and see ya on the other side my brother from another mother ,,,

Just saw this this breaks my heart Gary is a little boy used to come down Vera Street and ask my little brother Donnie to go out and play then as I get older Gary and Marie on that bar and crew for Gary was always my buddy oh my God Mora falcon dolls just go out to his friends and family my heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family oh my God.

Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Gary was a good friend as well as someone who booked my bands to play his venue. Always had a good time and treated well. I will miss his stories. Till next time my friend.

I'm so sorry for your loss Gary was a fun person to be around he will be missed by so many.

RIP Gary. You were always the life of the party and such a very cool guy to know. Thanks for all the good times. I hope you're rockin in Heaven, friend! Keep the beer cold and we'll all see you again some day! 🤘🪽🙏

We grew up in Holiday Hills together and went all through school K-12 together.  His sister Lori worked with my sister Betsy at Pekin Animal Hospital.  He will be missed. I always  loved running into him. Many fond childhood memories.  RiP

Sorry to hear this. Gary was a great childhood friend. Good years together. Prayers and condolences to his family

I am so very sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. He was always such a great man. My friends and I had a lot of fun with him throughout the years at his establishments. His kindness and soft spoken nature were always admired. Sending lots of love and prayers to all of his family and friends.

I worked with Gary for years and he was one of my favorite people to interact with because of his pleasant nature and work ethic. He will be missed very much and I send my condolences to family for there loss. 🙏

I first met Gary when he was about 23 and working at P&P as a printing press operator. I was his manager and was impressed with his talent for printing and the fact he never looked rushed or got very much ink on himself. But always produced high quality work and above average production. We became good friends and remained as such all through his life. I had the private of talking with him a couple weeks ago when he informed of his health issues. We spent a good hour or more talking about days gone by and joy we both got from printing. He was indeed a craftsman and more importantly a good friend. I’ll miss him but will carry him always in my heart and thoughts. So rest easy brother and to his family I’m deeply sorry for your loss but I’m sure you knew his love better than most.                                                                          With great reverence, Ernie Appleyard

Gary was a humble and awesome guy with great character who always said no matter what I gain I remember where I started and that really stuck with me.

To Vicki, Kim, Lori, and his wife and children, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all.  Kim, Lori, if I can do anything for you please let me know. Sending hugs, Sharon.

My deepest condolences to the family.  I rode the bus to HS with Gary and got to know him.  We both had Camaro's and enjoyed car talk.  He was a great guy and as big of a VH fan as I was.  Again so sorry to hear of his passing.  Way too young!!!!

OBITUARY

Gary Lee Thorne Jr.

September 2, 1965 – September 3, 2026

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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