Robert “Bob” Thornburgh

Funeral services for Robert “Bob” Thornburgh, of Valliant, Okla., were held at 2 p.m. June 4, 2023 at Watermill Freewill Baptist Church.

Robert “Bob” Thornburgh was welcomed into the arms of the Lord and started his eternal life in heaven on May 27, 2023, at the age of 74. He was born on Dec. 16, 1948 in Swink, Okla., the son of Webb Thornburgh and Myrtle (Carpenter) Thornburgh. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Don Thornburgh; and sister, Betty Golden. Bob grew up in Swink and was a graduate of Fort Towson High School, class of 1967. At the age of 16, Bob met the love of his life, Sarah Jones of Valliant. They were married on May 31, 1968 at the Watermill Freewill Baptist Church in Valliant. At the age of 17, Bob was called to serve the Lord and he surrendered his life to the ministry at Watermill Freewill Baptist Church. Bob and Sarah devoted their lives to serving the Lord and sharing the gospel. He served the Lord at Watermill Freewill Baptist Church, Holly Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Felker Freewill Baptist Church, Garland Freewill Baptist Church, and Santa Paula Freewill Baptist Church. Unfortunately, at the age of 26, he was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and left California after a short 17 months to get closer to home. As Bob’s diabetes progressed, his doctors advised him to leave the ministry for health reasons. Bob continued to be successful as an insurance salesman for American Bankers in Garland, Texas, and later at Shelter Insurance in Hugo, Okla. In his years as an insurance salesman, he earned the “Salesman of the Year’’ award, the highest award received for his position of work. Around his mid-40s, Bob’s kidneys began to fail. He was eventually put on dialysis and on a kidney transplant list. About a year later, Bob received the news that not only was a kidney available, but also a pancreas, if he was willing to receive it. Bob then became the fourth pancreas and kidney transplant at the same time in the state of Oklahoma. As Bob has shared the story, after this notice, he talked with God. Bob prayed to the Lord that if he would get him through the surgery and restore his health, he would once again devote his life to the ministry. God answered this prayer, Bob regained his health and took a position as pastor of Watermill Freewill Baptist Church. Bob pastored at Watermill for 21 years, until he retired in 2019 at the age of 70. Previous to retirement in 2019, Bob was chosen to be the guest speaker of the Freewill Baptist State Conference. Post retirement, he and Sarah continued to serve the Lord. They are members of the Felker Freewill Baptist Church and Bob was a member of the Ministers Alliance Association. He truly loved his church families. All who knew Bob, knew he was an extremely gifted musician. He never had lessons, played by ear, played every instrument he was interested in playing, and played them all well. His main instrument was his fiddle, and he played this instrument and others in many bands throughout his life. He and family founded a bluegrass gospel band, Timberline, and his favorite past-time was jamming at bluegrass festivals with family and friends. Above all else, Bob was a loving and kindhearted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His family was his greatest joy and biggest blessing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sarah Thornburgh; daughters: Angela Dickey and husband of Valliant, Dana Thornburgh-Maddux of Norman, Okla., and Christi Johnson and husband of Norman, Okla.; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister-in-law; two nephews whom he loved and considered his little brothers; two nieces; along with a multitude of friends, family, and loved ones.

Interment followed the service at Fort Towson Cemetery, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.