David Andrew Thornley, 85, passed away peacefully Friday, November 6, 2020, at the Lincoln Community Care Center in Lincoln, MO.

David was born January 7, 1935, in Calico Rock, AK, to Rosa Gertrude Flannery and Charles William Thornley. He was one of six children, that created a life full of friendships. David proudly joined the military after finishing school. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nelma Jean Cantrell, on November 20 ^th , 1959. They moved to Wenatchee, Washington where David worked at an apple orchard and the railroad. Later, David was called back to the army reserves and they relocated to Killeen, TX. David and Nelma eventually settled down in MO. David worked as a farmhand for LM Butcher prior to his successful career at Henry County Mutual. David could also be found in surrounding communities painting houses as a side job, often with his brother Hugo.

David had a passion for fishing, hunting and growing a garden to be jealous of. David and Nelma hosted many fish fries over the years that kept the extended family connected; a guaranteed day of laughter and overindulging. He planned an annual trip to 'deer' camp with hunting, storytelling, jokes and memories to cherish forever.

David is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nelma; one son, Mitchell (Paula) Thornley of Clinton, MO; three daughters, Leah (Len) Leake of Aiken, SC; Teresa (Brian) Plumlee of Urich, MO; Sue (Mike) Determan of Clinton, MO. David was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Tara (Ryan) Dettmer of Centerview, MO; Tiffany (Drew) Kuntemeier of St. Peters, MO; Nathan (Katy) Campbell of San Antonio, TX; Derek (Taryn) Thornley of Chilhowee, MO; Chelsea Thornley (Traver Clifford) of St. Charles, MO; Lana Swopes of Holden, MO; Lindsey (Kyle) Peterson of Pleasant Hill, MO; Tyler Propst of Maryville, MO; Jessica Determan (Derrick Stoneking) of Leeton, MO; Madeline Determan and Owen Determan of Clinton, MO; Quintin (Heather) Plumlee of South Bend, IN; Lauren Plumlee (Shawn Deegan) of Shawnee, KS; and 14 great-grandchildren.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rosa Thornley; three brothers Virgil, Jr., and Hugo; and two sisters Jane and Leona.

Funeral service will be at 2pm Thursday, November 12, 2020. Family will greet relatives and friends from 1-2pm at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, MO. Graveside service will be at the Carpenter Cemetery in Chilhowee, MO, immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be given to the Henry County Memory Fund (PO Box 741, Clinton, MO 64735) or Carpenter Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton Missouri.