Gene Richard Thornburg
Gene Richard Thornburg passed away January 10, 2015 after a two-year battle with ALS. Gene was born to Robert and Mary L. (Heaston) Thornburg January 29, 1942 in Winchester, Indiana.
He graduated from Lee L. Driver High School, Class of 1960, and Purdue University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering.
In 1963 he married Donna French in Winchester.
He worked for 30 years for the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service working in Indiana, Washington, Michigan, Montana and Wyoming. He lived in Bozeman for 20 years, moving to Helena in 1999.
After Gene’s retirement he and donna traveled the United States in an RV and spent several winters in Florida.
Gene loved golfing, dancing, bowling, watching sports of all kinds and, most of all, spending time with his family. He also coached and refereed youth soccer for several years in Bozeman. Gene and Donna loved any kind of dancing, especially square dancing and waltzing. While in Florida Gene gave dancing lessons to husbands who refused to dance, saving many marriages.
Gene leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Donna; children Lisa Lesofski (Gary) of Helena; Leslie Washburn (Scott) of Gainesville, Florida; Brian (Carri) of Meridian, Idaho; six grandchildren, Lawrence and Matt Lesofski, Davis and Sidney Washburn and Charlotte and Mykenna Thornburg. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Miller (John) of Dunkirk, Indiana and brother, Max (Carol) Thornburg of Walkerville, Maryland.
No services are planned at this time. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gene.
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Mike and Karen Nunn says
Deepest sympathies to Donna and family in the loss of a really great guy. Our short time with you both was greatly appreciated and we wished we had known you both sooner! Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you tonight. Keep strong.
Rick Kravas says
Laura and I both hope that the coming months bring peace and tranquility to your family. I know Gene has finally found it.
Rick & Laura
R.R. says
Losing someone we love is nothing easy, but knowing that we have been able to be a part of the life of that person, we can realize that we are blessed to have been able to share in their life before they went to rest. My sincere condolences. – Revelation 21:4- Jw.Org
ReNae Grantier (Technology Secretary) says
Donna and Family – I started with the USDA NRCS (formerly SCS) in 1986 and talked / worked with Gene when he was on the agencies Planning staff. It seems like yesterday when he was here and now after 29 years I too am looking towards retirement next year. I remember Gene and the vehicle accident that he had had and am so thankful that he wasn’t hurt. I’m glad to see after his retirement that he was able to travel to Florida. I’m sorry to learn that he suffered and passed from ALS; though he is in a better place with no more pain and suffering. Gene was a very nice person and my thoughts and prayers go out to you Donna and your family. Take care.
Alan and Teri Epps says
Donna and Family,
Please know how sorry we were to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a friend, in addition to being my supervisor early in my career with NRCS; he took me under his wing. Gene was one of the first people to recognize the need for knowledge of American Indian people, in order for NRCS to deliver it’s conservation programs to Reservations. Many of the programs designed at that time are still in use nationwide, helping Native American people today. Gene started me down a professional path of a very satisfying career. I will always feel indebted to Gene for his positive role in my life. God bless you. Alan Epps and Teri
Jerry and Kay Schaefer says
Donna and family
Sorry to hear about Gene. We kind of lost touch with you after you left Bozeman. I see that you have one daughter who still lives in Helena as well as your son in Idaho. I didn’t know where Leslie ended up after she graduated. It worked out for you to have somewhere to go north in the summer when it was hot and then somewhere to go in the winter when it was cold.
I enjoyed working with Gene when we discussed various watershed projects. He was also a part of a group of people who had all sorts of discussions during our coffee breaks. We had some lively discussions about all sorts of different topics.
Bob & Libby O'Driscoll says
Donna & Family – Libby and I were sorry to hear about Gene’s passing. We had missed you both after you left the neighborhood. We know it must have been a tough time seeing Gene deal with ALS. I enjoyed working with Gene and his pleasant personality. He will be missed. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.
Ronald Batchelor says
Dear Donna and Family
I was very saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. Please accept my condolences. I have many great memories of Gene. I will miss him.