Gary V. Thornhill
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Gary V. Thornhill of Fulton passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. With the help of his longtime companion, Connie (CJ) Blue, he had fought the good fight against cancer, after his diagnosis in August of 2024.
Gary was born in Moberly on November 21, 1946, to Van and Betty Thornhill. Until just recently, he lived his entire life in Boone County. He was a proud United States Army Veteran and spent his entire professional career working for the University of Missouri, where he taught physiology to medical school students. During that time, he was also a research specialist and studied heart disease with his mentor, Dr. Zatzman. Together they co-authored articles on their research.
During retirement, Gary could be found on the golf course with his brothers and friends or outdoors tending to his garden and working in the yard. He was an avid reader and was known for his sarcasm, humor, and love for Ford Mustangs. His most obvious joy was seen when speaking of his grand and great grandchildren, whom he would often brag about.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Susan Kay Thornhill and son, Brian. He is survived by his four brothers (Romie, Randy, Steve and Curt), three sisters (Connie, Cathy and Juni), his son Jason, wife Leslie and grandchildren Cooper and Kenley, daughter Lisa and granddaughters Hanna and Amber, her husband Grayden and great grandsons Baylor and Knox, grandson Coty Brooks and his wife Madeline and great grandsons Connor and Nolan.
Gary requested cremation and no services, but asked if anyone were inclined, a donation to St. Judes Hospital would make him happy.
I don’t know what to say, other than I will miss your company until the day I die. There weren’t too many world problems we couldn’t solve during a round of golf ! You were a great friend and golf partner… and whether you knew it or not, you taught me to be a better person. Truly. So fly high my friend… until we meet again.
Uncle Gary was my favorite uncle, he pushed to me to be a nurse with the agreement that once I became a nurse he would give me a copy of the transcript of his book for Pathology that he and his colleagues wrote. So, I did so and one day in the mail I received the transcript. He will be so missed by many.
Gary was a good friend and golfing buddy to my husband Steve Wootton. He became my friend later after we lost our home to fire. He was fun, smart, and a thoughtful man. Fly high sir we will see you again.
Gary was always so kind to me. Every Christmas, I got some kind of a little bear from him cause he knew I liked bears. He always signed all his cards to me your favorite brother-in-law.😊 I told him as far as I knew he was my only brother-in-law I will miss him. I am so glad that he had Connie in his life. He always worried about being alone when this time came may he rest in peace
Gary was always willing to lend a hand to help me figure things out with my tractor or vehicles if something went wrong with them after my father passed, I learned quite a bit from him and will always be grateful. He will be missed!
The Hoffmans send prayers for good memories and family homing.
Gary was like a brother to us as well as a wonderful partner to my sister
Connie.He was so knowledgeable on
a variety of subjects that we would
talk about at family functions, golf,
Birthday parties Or at the ballfields
watching the grandkids.It was an honor to know him an he will be sadly
missed.Fly High my friend until we
meet again!