"oh Barney.this is Lena Rheam daddys daughter. so sorry to hear of your passing.I was heartbroken then to hear you were to be joined with Helen...well hey now ! Who could ask for anything better !say hi to daddy for me...you are so loved !"
In loving memory of
Alfred "Barney" D. Thornburgh
May 26, 1917 - December 1, 2010
Upland: Alfred "Barney" D. Thornburgh, 93, passed away Wednesday morning at Blackford Community Hospital. He was born in Blackford County, the son of the late Arthur and Emma (Steinhelber) Thornburgh. He attended Jefferson Township High School and married Helen (Patterson) on May 30, 1939, in Hartford City. She preceded him in death on April 11, 2008. Barney retired as a truck driver and farmer in 1986. He was widely known in the dirt bike circle. He hosted dirt bike riders on his farm, known as "Barney's Motorcycle Playground," for 43years. He was able to lead his faithful trail followers until his 88th Birthday ride. Many riders from all over the US and a few from Europe enjoyed the racing and trail riding at Barney's. Barney's was also one of the early tracks to host Muddobbers AMA events in the 1960's and early 1970's. Survivors include, three sons, Butch (Eve), Doc ( Kathy), and Rich (Jara); four daughters, Patsy (John) Logan, Bonnie (Bill) Crain, Debbie (Dave) Wilson, Terri (Barry) Moorman; 26 grandchildren, Tonya Bragg, Tammy Jones, John and Kelly Thornburgh, Melissa Jent, Jessica Myrick, JR Thornburgh, Monica Landes, Robb Logan, Angie Ellison, Michael, Brian, Robert, and Jennifer Crain, Eric Caward, Alex, Justin, Blake, Jordan, and Colby Wilson, Brent and Benjamin Moorman, Bree Jaie White, Brandy Horn, Brittany Thornburgh, and Brook Michael; 33 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a great grandson, Andrew Landes. Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2010, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, Upland, Indiana., Motorcycles are welcome to join, the procession. Officiating: Rev. Jim Miller Visitation: Friday, December 3, 2010, 2 -8 pm, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana Interment: Jefferson Cemetery, Upland, Indiana
Tributes
"Thank You so much for all the years you provided a great place to teach kids to ride and as the preacher stated to keep them off the streets, my father took me there in the early 70's and I took my kids there in the early 90's, I think this is the end of an era and a time in our country, I understand not letting people ride any longer what with today litigious thought process, So again thanks for all the great memories and rides - Bryan L Wedmore"
"Not only did he give grown men a chance to be little boys every wk. He gave the girls a chance to play too. I was one of the only girls riding the tracks for many yrs from the time i was 3. I loved to try and be as good as the guys even at a very young age.Some of my favorite memories are just walking the tracks with him & helping with the repairs, and riding over to the pond and just hanging out or eating lunch. When I went to Barney's to ride just after having my 1st child, I was pleasently supprised to see many young girls riding. It was strange, yet exciting to know that a whole new generation of female riders have found their place to feel free on their bikes. Thank you Barney so much for giving us all your love! We will miss you greatly."
"Barney has been a part of my life since I was in the womb. He was family & my father would do anything for him. I grew up spending every Sunday with them, going straight from the track to Helen's kitchen to help her bake or just spend time together. His birthdays were the best! Hundreds of people who cared for him riding together & celebrating Barney. We Loved them both very much!"
"So sorry for the loss of Barney, what a great example of a "GOOD OL BOY"!! Barney, Theldon, Cledith, Theron, Glenn, all of those guys were just a great bunch of guys, and wow the stories they could tell!! Barney just passed the check point at the pearly gates."
"Barney was loved by everyone whose path crossed his in the motorcycle community. The world is a better place because of him and he will be sadly missed."
"Robert & I loved Barney and Helen so much. If it weren't for Barney Bob & I may not have stayed together. He kept asking Bob when are you gonna marry her? He led Bob down the right path to driving a truck. He wanted Bob to be sucessful in driving a truck. We got to be his neighbor for a few years. Helen would always make us her fresh homemade bread. They will be missed. We have had a lot of good times with them. RIP Barney!!! Will meet again in time!!! Prayers for the family!!!"
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Thornburgh family. As a child, some of my best memories are from the days spent riding at Barney's. It is very rare in today's society that you find people like Helen & Barney that opened their property to complete strangers and only asked for people to be safe & have a good time. The world needs more people like Helen & Barney."
"To Dad : We will miss you and Thanks for all the Great Times. I hope you are proud of your Family and all those Lifes you have touched. To All who has ever been at Barney's : Thanks for all the support and Great Memories. Dad's Goal was always to give kids a place to enjoy riding and to help give them something to keep them out of trouble and off the streets. Thank you and God Bless, Rocket Richie I love you Dad"
"Sorry for your loss, he was a great man. My kids and I spent many weekends at the farm riding our bikes and sidecars and I raced at all of the race's"
"he definately touched a lot of lives. i rode there for over 25 years and i'm sure i wouldn't still be riding today if not for barney. i have many great memories of him and the rides we had there. i still have many riding buddies that i probably never would have met if not for barneys playground."
"While I don't believe that I have ever met Barney, I sure did hear a lot of stories from the rest of the Steinhilber family about his riding and other activities. Barney, keep the shiny side up and Ride on!"
"Barney was one heck of a guy. While I don't think I ever met him, the stories I have heard have been great. Keep the shiny side up, Barney."
"Spent alot of weekends at Barneys,He was such a personable guy that i will never forget.Always came up to you and ask you how you were doing and ask you how the riding was,He will be missed by many."