Norman Arthur Thornsby, 86, was born in Slocum's hospital, Brush, Colorado. He was the sixth child born to Hazel and Bill Thornsby on May 12, 1939. Norman passed away at his home in Ft. Morgan on May 30, 2024.

He attended Brush schools and graduated in1955. While in high school Norman represented the Beetdiggers in track, football, and basketball. As a four-star Thespian he participated in school plays, proudly playing the part of Joseph in the Nativity. Upon graduation at age17, Norman entered the Navy and served for four years as a P2V Neptune navigator on the Flying Phantom crew and was a member of the Navy Precision Drill Team.

Norman returned to Colorado and reunited with Carolyn Gray at Colorado State University. They were married on June 18th, 1961, at Brush United Methodist church. Their daughter Janna Lynn Thornsby was born on July 10, 1962, followed by son William Collinson Thornsby born on May 10, 1965.

He was an avid fisherman spending many summers in the Poudre Canyon. Most of his career was as sales manager of Carroll Motor Company in Brush. He was active in the community as a Jaycee, Rotarian, and president of the Greater Gifts program at Morgan Community College. Family celebrations and seeing children and grandchildren were the joys of his life. Lifetime friendships and gatherings were treasures for him.

Norman is survived by his wife Carolyn, children Janna Thornsby, Bill Thornsby and wife Jennifer, grandchildren Lauren Funk, Caden Funk, Miles Thornsby, sisters Leonora Repp, Evelyn Spears, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, William Thornsby, and Hazel Thornsby, his brother William Thornsby and wife Dorothy, sister Muriel Lusby, and brother Robert Thornsby.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Brush Cemetery gazebo for a short memorial, Friday, June 7th at 2 P.M.