David Thornsberry, 85, passed away on June 30, 2025, at Reid Health Hospital in Richmond, IN, following a brief illness.
David was born in Hindman, KY, on March 18, 1940, to Whitt and Dorothy (Watts) Young Thornsberry. He is preceded in death by sisters: Lois Jean Turner of Shelbyville, KY, Nettie Bentley, Bethel Seals, Ethel Vance, and Geneva Thornsberry, all of Knott County, KY; as well as brothers: Russell Roger Thornsberry of West Liberty, KY, and Julius (Jay) Thornsberry of Batesville, IN. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Kay (Hacker) Thornsberry of Batesville, and infant daughter Amy Jolene (1974–1974).
He is survived by daughter, Connie Vangelena Thornsberry Moore (Troy Moore) of Connersville, IN, and a host of nieces and nephews.
“Dave” is probably best known for his 44 years of service at the Sherman House, where he started out as a dishwasher/bus boy and eventually became a manager. He also worked at Margaret Mary Health for several years as a floor technician, where he would sometimes sing in the hallways.
Shortly before coming to Batesville, he worked in a coal mine in Kentucky and was honorably discharged from the Army. While stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, he guarded the gold. It was also during this time that he took a trip to Washington, D.C., for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
He moved to Batesville and married Mary Kay (Hacker) Thornsberry on March 21, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Batesville, IN. They were married 58 years until Mary Kay passed in 2020. The simple gold band placed on his finger that day never left his hand for his entire life.
Dave grew up playing basketball and was a lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan. Once, he attended a sold-out game at Rupp Arena and cheered his beloved Wildcats to victory.
His love of animals started early with his first of many dogs, Rover. He had at least one dog in his life ever since. In fact, he was greatly comforted by therapy dogs laying by his side during his final days.
He lived in a house by a lake for many years, where he was surrounded by wildlife. He liked buying new squirrel and hummingbird feeders and feeding catfish by the dock in the evenings. He adopted a neighbor’s donkey and liked to feed and visit Homer. Dave had as many as 85 Canada geese that he fed daily. He raised mallard ducks and loved to go fishing—whether from the dock or in his paddleboat with his dogs in tow, catching bluegill, bass, crappie, and gigantic catfish. He always threw them back, but not before giving them the worm.
He took a trip of a lifetime to Ely, Minnesota, where he caught northern pike and walleye. He had a secret recipe for dough balls that he credited for his many successes.
Ever the animal whisperer, Dave rescued an injured Canada goose with the help of the Red Wolf Sanctuary. He also single-handedly freed a great blue heron from a fishing net and tangled line.
He enjoyed going to zoos and aquariums because animals took a liking to him. He enjoyed a penguin encounter at Newport Aquarium, as well as many other close-up wildlife experiences.
During his final years, he took up painting canvases using a blow dryer and created a few cherished masterpieces for his family. Whether enjoying popsicles on his front porch, listening to bluegrass music, or dancing in the kitchen, he will undoubtedly be missed by many.
His wishes were to be cremated after donating his body for science and education to the IUPUI School of Medicine. Services will be private. Donations may be made to the Ripley County Humane Society in Osgood, Indiana in care of the funeral home.
Please feel free to leave a memory or message of comfort for Dave’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.