On Wednesday, May 31st, Mark (Mac) Craig Thornburrow, 67, of Manhattan, passed away, his family, lovingly, by his side. Mark was born on June 10th, 1955 in Sabetha, Kansas, to Bill and Mellie Thornburrow. He attended Eugene Field Elementary and graduated from Manhattan High School with Class of 1973.
After graduation, Mark worked alongside Doug Marker, Marker construction, for several years. From 1979-2012, Mark worked both locations at Audio Junction, with Dave and Jerry, his brothers. Mark installed home and commercial audio and video equipment, car stereo and boat systems. He was highly respected for his knowledge and expertise in personalizing the needs of those who entered AJ's doors.
On June 2, 1984, Mark was united in marriage to Rhonda Noel, at the Peace Lutheran in Manhattan. On February 7th, 1994, the best part of their life together began with the birth of their son, Mitchell Noel Thornburrow. Mark shared his love of racing, motorcycles, fishing and boating with Mitch. At 2 1/2, Mitch was already holding a fishing pole. When Mitch was five, Mark bought a fat wheel motorcycle and a four wheeler. Using a machete, Mark cleared a trail in the back of their house. They were able to share wonderful trips together, which also included family and friends. Mark's favorite trip was experiencing several weeks in Kenya, Africa.
Tuttle Creek boating with family and friends encompassed so much of his life. Mark and his brother Dave, shared many a boat during their life. Mark enjoyed attending F1 and Indy races with his close friend, Stew Zimmerman. He enjoyed hunting and trapshooting with his brother, Dave, along with Darrel Gatza. Motorcycle riding gave him weekly rides and bike trips that would include friend, Jim (JR) Rawson. Mark enjoyed the gathering of friends at Tuttle Creek over Labor Day, initiated but Lonnie and Deb Howat.
Mark is survived by Rhonda of the home; a son, Mitch N. (Ashley Roberts) Thornburrow, of Kansas City, MO; his mother Mellie (Craig) Thornburrow, of Manhattan; sister, Kay (David ) Rau, of Overland Park, Kansas; brother, David (Kim) Thornburrow, of Camdenton, MO. and sister in law, Carol (Young) Thornburrow of Manhattan. Most importantly, to his many nieces and nephews, whom he adored in being, Uncle Mark. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Thornburrow and his brother Jerry Thornburrow.
In lieu of flowers, family has requested contributions to Cattails, Purple Power Animal Welfare Society and Flint Hills Breadbasket and may be sent to the funeral home.
His family has selected cremation and will be having a family graveside service. A Celebration of Life will be early fall and will be announced later by the family and Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan. To send an online condolence to the family visit the funeral home website at www.irvinparkview.com.
