Roy Robert "Bob" Thornton's Obituary
Roy Robert "Bob" Thornton, age 79, of Sparta, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 2:55 p.m. in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born on March 2, 1944 in Coulterville, IL, a son to Alfred and Emily (Mason) Thornton. On July 20, 1963, he married Evonne Z. Hamilton at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta, IL. Bob graduated from Pinckneyville High School and then worked as the head pressman at Sparta Printing for 32 years. Bob also worked in maintenance at Sparta Community Hospital and Laclede's Landing in St. Louis, MO. He went to Vatterott College and obtained a certificate for building maintenance at the age of 53.
Bob was extremely skilled at archery and was 2nd in the world at traditional finger shooting, and held first place in State for three consecutive years. He loved playing cards, gardening, watching professional and college women's basketball, hunting, and fishing. Bob enjoyed playing softball in his younger years which was the foundation for coaching his daughters in softball, and watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. He treasured traveling in the motorhome with his wife, as well as enjoyed being a practical jokester, never met a stranger, and after retirement became a Florida snowbird. Bob loved his family and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Evonne Thornton of Sparta, IL; three daughters, Tamara "Tammy" (Daniel) Craft of Sparta, IL; Debra "Debbie" Grapperhaus (Steve Hummert, Jr.) of Coulterville, IL; and Victoria "Vicky" Potter (John Kirby) of Steeleville, IL; one brother, Gary Thornton of Marissa, IL; one sister, Leta (Michael) Asher of Sparta, IL; ten grandchildren, Jeff (April) Zimmermann, Valerie (Chris) Sinn, Billy (Darian) Craft, Clarissa (Jim) Lohse, Megan Grapperhaus, Cody (Haylee) Hummert, Allisanne Hummert, Walker Lewis-Hummert, Nick (Meghann) Potter, and Sara Potter (fiancé Tyler Clark); nine great-grandchildren, Drew and Emma Zimmerman, Elliot, Roy, and Max Sinn, Beau Craft, Molly and Sophie Lohse, and Everett Potter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, June Thornton, Cathy Caraker, and Jan Harris; and seven brothers, Leo, Ronnie, Rick, Danny, Norman, William, and Wayne Thornton.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
Funeral services will be at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Cecil Dunning officiating. Interment will be at Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family.
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