Gary Wayne Thornbrough, age 77, of East Prairie, Missouri, passed away December 28, 2022 at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born on March 24, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of the late Cloyce Marion Thornbrough and Opal Eileen Jackson Thornbrough. On July 31, 1965 he married Janet Sue Sasseen Thornbrough who preceded him in death.

Gary had lived all of his life in East Prairie. He was a member of the First Christian Church in East Prairie and served on the East Prairie Parks Board for many years. Gary was a proud member of The Camel Club meeting at KC's Jiffy Mart every day and was a lifelong supporter of all East Prairie Eagle athletics. After High School graduation he served six years with the Missouri National Guard.

An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting deer, squirrel and fishing. An expert duck hunter, his favorite days were spent in the duck blind with his best friend Jim Armstrong. A lifelong fan of auto racing, he enjoyed traveling to dirt track races as a crew member with Charles LaPlant's race team.

He is survived by one son, Jeff (Kim) Thornbrough of Sikeston, Missouri; one daughter, Jennifer Cassese of Wyatt, Missouri; one sister Marilyn (RG) Berry; and two grandchildren, Jeffery and Dylan Thornbrough.

Graveside services will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. at East Prairie Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the East Prairie Booster Club:
603 N Garfield, East Prairie, MO 63845
epboosterclub.org

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home.