Harlan Howard Thornsbrough, 91, formerly of Alvin, IL, passed away at 10:15 P.M. Saturday February 8, 2020 at The Waters of Covington. He was born March 5, 1928, on a farm east of Alvin, IL, the son of Ennis and Evelyn (Hughes) Thornsbrough. He married Vernice Wylder on June 1, 1947 in Alvin, IL. She preceded him in death on July 4, 2011.
He is survived by one daughter, Ginger (Ronnie) Mack of Covington, IN; one son, Steve (Marie) Thornsbrough of Alvin, IL; three sisters, Shirley Stephenson of Alvin, IL, June Cain of Pittsboro, IN, and Jo Lynn Sutton of Alvin, IL; one brother, David (Carolyn) Thornsbrough of Alvin, IL; three grandchildren, Brock (Amie) Thornsbrough, Brad (Michell) Thornsbrough, and Marcy (Martin); one grandson-in-law, Paul Powell; eleven great-grandchildren, Lauren, Brooklyn, Nathan, Evan, Josh, Mia, Peyton, Paige, Arieal, Chian, and Lanie; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Howard; two brothers, Wayne (Bess) Thornsbrough and Jay Thornsbrough; three brothers-in-law, Wally Stephenson, Butch Cain, and George Sutton; and one granddaughter, Brittany Powell.
Harlan was a life-long farmer. He previously served as a Trustee on the South Ross Township Board, was a past-member of the Alvin Grade School board, served as a volunteer firefighter on the Alvin Fire Department, and drove for the Red Cross. He was a member of the Alvin Christian Church where he had served as a Deacon. Harlan enjoyed racing stock cars, late models, and midget cars with his son. He also loved watching sports, especially basketball.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday February 14, 2020 at Bethel Cemetery in rural Alvin, IL, with Harlan’s grandson, Brock Thornsbrough, officiating.
