Richard Lee Thornburg

Middletown....Richard Lee Thornburg, 85, resident of Middletown, passed away Tuesday evening at St. Vincent's Regional Hospital in Anderson.He was born in Middletown, August 16, 1929, the son of Ernest and Marguerite Kaiser Thornburg.He was a graduate of Middletown High School and Served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict.He owned and operated Dick's Liquor Locker stores for over 20 years.He Worked at Westinghouse in Muncie for 17 years, was a member of the OES #110 serving as Past Worthy Patron, Middletown Lodge F & AM #271 and was Past Master, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Murate Shrine. He also was a member of the Middletown Lions Club, Sixth Street Christian Church and a 10 year volunteer member of the Middletown Emergency Unit.He was a member of the Middletown Conservation Club, NRA and played basketball for the Middletown Cossacks.He was also a member of the Middletown Oilers, semi-pro baseball team and the Wild Turkey Federation.He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister: Juanita, brother: Mick, a son: Richard, a daughter: Rebecca, and a grandson: Jodi.Survivors include his wife of 47 years: Diana Sue (Fields) of Middletown, his children: Ruth Ann Alexander and Donna ""Katie"" Anderson (Greg) both of Middletown, 2 grandchildren: Ashley Alexander and Kelli Miller, several great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, 1 sister: Mary Lou (Clide) Carter of Middletown and his dog: Mazie.A celebration of Dick's life will be held on Sunday at 2:00 PM at Ballard & Sons, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Rev. Maynard Powell officiating.Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery.Friends may call on Saturday at the funeral home from 4-8 PM with Masonic Memorial services at 8:00 PM.Memorials may be made to the Sixth Street Christian Church or the Middletown EMS.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.comThe Ballard family is honored to celebrate the life of Richard Thornburg with family and friends.