David Thornton, 62 of Urbana died at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at home

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory Urbana. Burial will be in the Davis Cemetery, Fairmount. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at the funeral home.

Mr. Thornton (Dave) was born on December 7, 1945 in Danville, the son of James Ray and Ruth Meece Thornton. He married Vicki Hamilton, she survives.

Also surviving are his mother of Urbana, his girlfriend; Sheila Goodin of LeRoy, two sons; David R. (Annie Connor) Thornton Jr. of Fairmount and Ryan (Shawn) Thornton of Mahomet, two granddaughters; Alexandria and Amelia Thornton and his "other" sons; Jason Knauff, Dan Stebbins and Brian Lutton.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Dave or "Senior" was an Urbana High graduate and a lifetime resident of the Champaign-Urbana area. During this time he made hundreds of friends and cherished all of them.

He was active in his community in many ways, but especially as an umpire for both baseball and softball. , for almost 20 years Dave called strikes and balls from little league to high school and even college level, he was liked (usually) but always respected and appreciated. He also shared his knowledge of auto body repair as an instructor at VOTEC in Tilton for many years helping kids learn a good trade.

Dave was an auto body repairman foremost, he truly enjoyed painting and repairing cars of all types, antiques, muscle cars and Porsches. He also spent time in construction and remodeling of homes. But his favorite job was the one he still had and went to everyday. As a building superintendent with One Main Development in downtown Champaign, this was the job he enjoyed and looked forward to.

Dave was drafted into Vietnam and proudly served as helicopter door gunner for the 101st airborne division.

"Senior" enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. Specifically anything involving the river... Whitewater rafting, Canoeing, Camping, Bonfires, mowing the grass and sunbathing at junior's farm. He also seemed to enjoy arguing with his sons over trivial stuff, riding his many bicycles, working out (sometimes), hanging out (usually) at Golds Gym in Champaign and Urbana and loved teaching his SPINNING class where a 60 year old guy has a reputation as the hardest instructor.

He also enjoyed just hanging out at One Main and going out downtown for socializing, drinks and dancing. He loved his granddaughters.

Our dad spent a lot of time making himself a better person. We would ask that in memory of Dave Sr. everyone try each day to do this.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.