Bob Thornell

Our family mournfully announces the passing of John Robert “Bob” Thornell, 85, Hillsboro, Texas. Bob passed away on September 30, 2021, due to natural causes.

Bob was born on March 24, 1936, in Leeds, Alabama, to John Henry Thornell and Annie Cast. Bob attended Leeds High School where he was a standout athlete in football and baseball. His love for Alabama football grew while he was recruited to play football for the Crimson Tide. It was a difficult decision but he chose to play minor league baseball instead for the St. Louis Cardinals organization. After his baseball career concluded, he moved to Kansas to attend Dodge City College and play football. It was there he met a beautiful, blue-eyed lady, named Donna Nufer. Bob and Donna married and made a loving home for their four sons in Dodge City, Kansas before moving to Hillsboro, Texas. Bob loved sports but his greatest pleasure was watching his boys and eventually grandchildren play sports. Bob also enjoyed golfing and boating with his friends. Bob served our country in the Army National Guard before he and Donna spent their lives supporting the Hillsboro community and youth and building their business selling WW cattle equipment and corrals.

Bob is preceded in death by his precious wife, Donna and loving son Jason. He is survived by his son John “Al” Thornell, son and daughter-in-law Joe and Connie Thornell and son and daughter-in-law Justin and Gina Thornell.  Grandsons Brett and wife Maddy Thornell, Kyle and wife Sydney Thornell, Logan Potts, Brody Thornell, Ryker Thornell and Gunner Thornell. Granddaughters Audrey Thornell, Aryn Thornell and Callan Thornell.

Visitation hours are Monday, October 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Texas. The funeral will take place at the funeral home Tuesday, October 5th, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory Cemetery in Hillsboro, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to cancer or diabetes research or any charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bob Thornell, please visit our floral store.