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Toby Lee Thornton passed away at the Kansas City Hospice House after a three-year battle with prostate cancer on July 8, 2023 at the age of 55.
He was born on October 12, 1967 in Duarte, California, to Dorothy and Jerry Thornton. Growing up in a close-knit family, he learned the importance of hard work, faith and love. He cherished his time with his siblings, Tracy, Troy and Tim and made wonderful memories growing up on the Thornton acreage south of Collins, Iowa.
Toby was a very hard and dedicated worker that took pride in every project he did, always striving to do his best. Prior to his cancer diagnosis, he was employed as a painter for Haren Companies. He had remodeled many houses in Kearney, surrounding areas and also in Iowa. Toby loved his dog Rooster. If you saw Toby, you saw Rooster because she was never very far from his side. Toby’s smile, his dimples, his bright blue eyes and his witty sense of humor will be remembered and cherished by many friends and family.
In August of 2022, Toby began receiving care from Harbor Hospice Home Care and they were truly a huge blessing in his life. He simply adored each and every one of the staff that selflessly gave him their time, compassion and love with each and every visit. He was so very grateful.
Left to honor Toby’s memory are his children, Lauren (Omar) Fernandez, Joey (Jessica) Clevenger, and Zee Marie Thornton, and four grandchildren, Marina and Adrian Fernandez, Avery Clevenger and Ryn Thornton. Toby will also be remembered by his siblings, Tracy (Paul) Faust, Troy (Dai Akiyama) Thornton and Tim (Sarah) Thornton; nieces, Jill (Levi) Smith, Jamie (Jared) Chizek, Sydney Thornton, Maya Thornton; his great nieces, Maddilyn Smith and Miriam Smith; and great nephew, Roman Smith.
Toby was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Dorothy Thornton; stepmother, Barbara Thornton; grandparents, Walter and Rose Thornton and Fay and Florence Hand.
As we say goodbye for now, let us celebrate the love and joy that Toby brought into our lives. You will be deeply missed but your spirit will forever live in our hearts.
Funeral services will be held at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 208 S. Jefferson, Kearney, MO, on Thursday, August 3, 2023, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with luncheon and a time of fellowship following.
Graveside service will be held at the Collins Evergreen Cemetery, 70904 315th St., Collins, IA, on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, a luncheon will be served at the Collins Community Center at 219 Main Street, Collins, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Toby’s honor can be directed to Harbor Hospice, 4911 S. Arrowhead Dr., Suite 101, Independence, MO 64055.
Our Sincere Condolences
He’ll be missed. I loved him like a son, he was always welcome at our house to hang out with Shannon and all the kids. He was a Joy and delightful. He was fun. God welcome him home, no more pain and suffering.
Brenda Huxtable