Ronald Lee Thornbrue was the baby of nine children born on October 19, 1946 to Delbert Shores Thornbrue and Nora Elcarney (Mercer) Thornbrue. However, due to extenuating circumstances he was taken in by his oldest sister Betty Faye (Thornbrue) Davis and her husband Tommie Joe when he was nine months old and raised as their son. He grew up with his three nieces Charlene, Vicki and Sharell that he actually referred to as sisters. Ron passed away on Wednesday September 24, 2025.
Ron played football and wrestled throughout high school. He also enjoyed photography and restoring old cars. He graduated from Santana High School in Santee, California in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Army in March 1967. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Liane Small-Gutman on August 24, 1967. He left for Vietnam three weeks later. After completing his tours in Vietnam, he remained in the Army Reserves until March 27, 1973.
He and Karen had one child, Shanna Lynn Thornbrue born February 13, 1970. She was the light of her parent’s life. He facilitated her in showing horses for many years and lambs throughout high school. He wanted her to learn the value of hard work and understand that you get out of something what you put into it. He taught her how to drive a standard when she was eleven. And she served as his chauffeur for years. Shanna worked along side him on his construction jobs over the years. He wanted to instill good work ethics in her. He was a stickler about his daughter’s education. He expected greatness from her.
After serving in the military, Ron became a carpenter and later a general contractor. He worked day in and day out for almost thirty years. Due to health issues, he was placed on full VA disability in July 2005.
Ron relocated his family to Guthrie, Oklahoma in October 1982. He loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed watching old westerns, dancing with Karen and Shanna, listening to old country music and socializing with family and friends while drinking a cold beer.
Ron was known as a true “man’s man” a devoted father and steady provider who carried himself with grit and determination. At the same time, he had a softer side, one that found joy in creating with his hands. He crafted beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry pieces, spoon rings, hand-made leather items such as knife sheaths and gun holsters, and other treasures that remain in the family as reminders of his care and artistry.
He was an avid gun collector and appreciated both the history and precision of firearms, building a collection that reflected his deep respect for craftsmanship.
He loved a good pot of ham and beans with cornbread. His favorite deserts were shortbread cookies or rich chocolate cake with milk poured over it. He made the best homemade chicken stew, spaghetti sauce and chili. He won many chili contests over the years.
He was generous with his family and was always available if they needed him for anything. He provided for his grandchildren without hesitation. He purchased his granddaughter Shaylee’s first vehicle (1989 Eddie Bauer Edition Ford Bronco) in 2003. He made sure that money was deposited in his grandson, Cory’s bank account every month while he was in college. The motor blew and the clutch went out in Cory’s car during that time and Papa immediately took care of paying to have it all repaired without question. He never missed a softball or football game that his grandchildren were playing in. He never missed a birthday party or holiday with his family.
He was very proud of his family!
He always told us “you don’t have to be right you just have to be mine!”
He is proceeded in death by both his parents Tommie and Betty Davis, his wife of 52 years Karen Thornbrue, his sister Vicki Davis, his brother Jerry Bill Dillon, and his nephew Jay Dillon. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his daughter Shanna Douglass-Cabe and husband Bryan of Guthrie, Oklahoma, his granddaughter Shaylee Johnson and husband Travis of Thomas, Oklahoma, his grandson Cory Douglass and wife Krissy of Mannford, Oklahoma, his great grandchildren Braxton and Harper Johnson of Thomas, Oklahoma, his surrogate daughter Nicky Curry and husband David of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, his sister Sharell Solis and husband Steven of Yuma, Arizona, his sister Charlene Sinclair of Ware, Massachusetts, his special friend Debbie and a multitude of friends.
He will forever be missed!
We plan to celebrate his life, enjoy a nice meal and have fellowship with family and friends at the memorial for Ronald Thornbrue on Saturday January 3, 2026 from 1-5 pm at the VFW Hall in Guthrie, Oklahoma.