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Obituary for Eugene Wesley Thornbrugh
Eugene Wesley Thornbrugh, 97, passed on August 14, 2020 following a long decline after suffering a brain injury several years ago. Born February 12, 1923, in the small town of Amsterdam, MO, Eugene’s professional path was blazed when, as a small boy, he witnessed a biplane land and take off in a farmer’s field. During the course of logging 24,000 flying hours, Eugene served as the Flight Engineer on large military (B-29s and C-124s) and commercial (707s, 727s, and DC-8s) aircraft. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed taking up family and friends in light aircraft and capturing his experiences in photographs and films. A lifelong student of history, especially military, Eugene devoted his life to ensuring the well-being and security of his family. As a family member recalled Eugene once saying, “A smart man learns from his mistakes; a wise man learns from others’.” He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Jean, children Carol, David, Steven and daughter-in-law Michelle, and Douglas, and grandchildren Tony and daughter-in-law Lisa, Aaron, Chloe, and Sophia, and great-granddaughters Katleyn and Emma. A private ceremony for family members held at McCune Garden Chapel