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Sonney Lee Thornburg passed away in the comfort of his home on April 10, 2025, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 73. Sonney was born on March 31, 1952, to Roy and Jackie (Underwood) Thornburg in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Sonney married the love of his life, Stephanie Rae Riley, on October 23,1992, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, and was blessed with two children, Joseph Shane and Bailey LeRae. They lived in Pawnee until moving to Shawnee, Oklahoma, in July of 1999.
Sonney had several jobs throughout his life, including owner/operator of his own welding business, landfill superintendent, heavy equipment operator, and heating and air conditioning technician. Sonney’s impressive work ethic, intelligence, and natural abilities led him to excel in any field he pursued. He was a true jack of all trades who could quickly master the intricacies of any occupation.
Sonney found immense pleasure in the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and noodler throughout his lifetime. He cherished the numerous road trips with Stephanie to find the perfect fishing spots, which included fishing for catfish and stripers at Kaw Dam, paddlefish and sand bass at Fort Gibson Dam, and trout fishing at Beavers Bend State Park. One of Sonney’s greatest passions was noodling for catfish in rivers all across Oklahoma. He taught many people, as well as his children, the sport of noodling. He also enjoyed going deer and hog hunting with his wife and children on his longtime friend’s land in Pawnee.
Sonney’s hands were rarely still, finding satisfaction in mowing the yard and tinkering on projects in his building. His ingenuity knew no bounds; there was never a project he shied away from, even if it required making a tool from scratch. There wasn't a piece of equipment, big or small, that Sonney couldn't expertly operate. This resourcefulness was evident in the many masterpieces he created throughout the years, from designing and constructing his metal building from the ground up, digging a pond in the backyard so children could come fish anytime, and meticulously building a gazebo and pipe fence that surrounded his home, a true testament to his skills.
Beneath a strong and sometimes tough exterior, Sonney possessed a deep desire for helping others without expectation of any recognition. Sonney dedicated countless hours helping neighbors, the elderly, and anyone else he perceived to be in need. For those he held dear, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Sonney also cherished his time spent with friends at the coffee shop. However, his happiest moments were the simple ones spent with his family, especially the quiet mornings sharing coffee on the porch with Stephanie, whom he considered his greatest gift.
Sonney was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Thornburg and Jackie Glidewell, and his brother, Leroy Thornburg. Sonney is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Thornburg of Shawnee; son, Joseph Thornburg of Shawnee; daughter, Bailey Thornburg (Ryan) of Broken Arrow; grandson, Kevin Thornburg of Shawnee; and siblings, Shirley Scott, John Thornburg (Sue), Mike Thornburg (Linda), Jody Thornburg, and Darlene Tolbert (Colleen); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Sonney leaves behind a legacy of strength, and he instilled in his loved ones the profound importance of family. Not a day will pass without him being deeply missed.
A memorial service to honor Sonney’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh. Following the memorial service, his wife and children warmly invite all attendees to their home for a luncheon to celebrate Sonney’s life. Sonney cherished hosting family gatherings and believed deeply in the power of food to bring people together.
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