Middletown — Steve R. Thornton, 67, of Middletown, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Graveside Services will be held at a later date at Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Middletown. Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Steve R. Thornton was born on October 16, 1958, in Decatur, the son of Gerald R. Thornton and Carolyn Sue Brunner Thornton. He was united in marriage to Donna Dobey.
He is survived by his daughter: Elizabeth “Punkey” (Jerry) Daniels, his mother: Carolyn Sue Thornton, one sister: Rhonda Thornton, one brother: Rick (Tunisia) Thornton, and seven grandchildren: Michael Thornton, Sabrina Koeppen, Chance Koeppen, Brodey Koeppen, Bella Koeppen, Jacob Daniels and Joshua Daniels.
He was preceded in death by his father Gerald R. Thornton, one son: Christopher Thornton, one granddaughter: Emery Daniels, and one brother: Ronald Thornton.
He had been employed doing Tank Maintenance.
His hobbies included spending time with family, watching cartoons, and being outdoors, especially next to a pond or on a creek bank.
Memorials may be made to his family to assist with funeral arrangements.
Peasley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.