Troy Daily News

November 9, 2009

THORNSBERRY, MICHAEL LEE - New Paris - Michael Lee Thornsberry, 38, of New Paris, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. Michael was born in Troy, Sept. 9, 1971 to Randy and Lynda (Cavender). Thornsberry graduated from Versailles High School, class of 1989, was past president of FOP, member of the Buckeye Sheriff's Association, past board member of the Northwest Fire & Ambulance District, past humane officer for Preble County; past officer for the Villages of New Madison and New Paris; past Chief of Police of Ansonia and Rossburg. He was employed as captain for the Preble County Sheriff's Office. He was preceded in death by his father, Randy Thornsberry, and grandmother, Thelma Thornsberry. He is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Michelle (Gibbs) Thornsberry, two daughters, Allie Grace and Faith; granddaughter, Jenna; mother Lynda Thornsberry; Daniel & husband, Harmon; 1 brother, Joseph and Amanda Thornsberry; grandparents, Omer and Donna Cavender; Selmer Thornsberry; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Don and Bernice Gibbs, sisters-in-law, Angela and husband Chad Johnson, Donna and husband, Tom Regan; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Eaton Church of the Brethren, 813 Camden Road, Eaton. Interment will be at Springlawn Cemetery, New Paris with the Rev. Willard Cole officiating. Michael's family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to an educational fund that will be established for Michael's daughter, Allie Grace. Arrangements are being handled by Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home.