Farris George Thornhill

Farris George Thornhill, son of Dulcie (Durney) Thornhill and Bernie Thornhill, was born on Aug. 31, 1937, in Dawson, departed this life on Jan. 3, 2025, in Mountain Grove, at the age of 87 years. Farris spent his early years with his brothers and sister on the family farm in Dawson. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse, Hopkins School in Dawson. After their parent’s divorce, their mother moved her family to Springfield. Eventually, they would move to California. While in California, Farris enlisted in the Navy. He served four years active duty and continued for four more years as a reserve. During this time Farris met and married Judy O’Neal. Their three oldest children were born in California before he received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1963. Farris then moved his family back to his hometown of Mountain Grove, where he and Judy added their three younger children. Farris returned to farming and began his trucking career. He drove for several companies, individuals, and even owned and operated his own truck during a career that spanned decades. During this time, he made friendships that would last a lifetime! His time at home seemed short. He loved spending that time with family and hosting game nights where marbles and pitch were the top picks of games. He also enjoyed taking Judy to Branson shows and car races. Any free time would be spent reading or fishing. After a divorce, Farris moved to Arkansas and married Pat Ibison in 2000. While in Arkansas, he drove a dump truck, well into his 70s. Farris and Pat enjoyed traveling and visiting family all over the country. After 13 years, Farris returned to Mountain Grove, where he lived until his passing.
Farris was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Thornhill; a daughter, Diane Yarber; mother of his children, Judy Thornhill; his parents; his sister, Elaine James; two brothers, Gene Thornhill and Wallace Thornhill; great-grandson, Dusty Guenther; and several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his daughters, Sandy (Scott) Graham, of Mountain Grove; Linda (Keith) Murr, of Graff; Kelly Byrd, of Joplin; Christie (Jack) Keene, of Mountain Grove; and Lori Lane, of Springfield, who he thought of as a daughter; sister-in-law, Carolyn Thornhill; two half-brothers, Leland Thornhill and Gary Thornhill; and a half-sister, Janet Thompson; 16 grandchildren, Brooke, Eric, Kirsten, Billy, Anthony, Danielle, Trevor, Jesse, Candice, Wyatt, Carrie, Amber, Emma, Kaylee, Elliot and Rami; 28 great-grandchildren and one due in April of 2025; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. Visitation for Farris Thornhill will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Graveside memorial services with full military honors will follow at 11 a.m. in the Friendship Cemetery of Mountain Grove with the Rev. Jack Keene officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.