Vade Deane Thornton
July 30, 1931 - June 8, 2019

Vade Deane Thornton, Middletown IA, passed June 8, 2019 at Great River Hospice House. He was born July 30th, 1931 at his grandfather's home outside of Houghton, IA. He was the son of Harry F. and Joan A. (Kaeding) Thornton. He married Priscilla B. Brown 1953 and later divorced. He married Freda J. Carruthers (Pundt) May 1989. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survived by his wife Freda, two daughters, Marjorie Gerst (Jim) Burlington, Deena Thibault (Rick) Toddville and three sons, James of West Burlington, Joseph of Council Bluffs and Matthew (Darcy) of Clinton. Stepsons include Harlan Pundt (Lori) of Donnellson and Myron Pundt (Kris) of Aledo, IL and a stepdaughter, Denise Roberts of Donnellson. He leaves behind 24 grandchildren and many loved great-grandchildren.
Deane attended schools in Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, California and graduated in Salem Iowa in 1948 when his parents returned to Iowa to farm near Birmingham. He farmed with his father before entering the Air Force in 1952. He left the Air Force in 1956 and attended Parsons College in Fairfield Iowa where he graduated in 1959 as valedictorian. He belonged to Phi Kappa honorary society and Tau Kappa Epsilon social fraternity. He began working after graduation for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS, which is now Farm Service Agency FSA) and moved to Middletown Iowa to raise his family. He retired in August 1986 and then worked part time for 12 years as a Crop Insurance Adjuster for Rain and Hail LLC.
Deane was a member of Toastmasters, PTA and several health organizations. He served as president of the Iowa Association of ASCS County Office Employees in 1966. He was also a member of the American Legion, Eagles and Moose clubs. He and Freda have enjoyed years of traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. He enjoyed wood working, fishing, games and card playing with friends and family and spending winters in Donna Texas at Palm Shadows Trailer Park for 17 years. He was also a member of the Presbyterian Church in Middletown.
Pursuant to his wishes, his body will be cremated. Visitation starting at noon, with a 1:30 service at Lunning Funeral Home in Burlington on June 22. Military honors will be conducted following the service. Private burial at the Hillsboro Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Great River Hospice House and Hillsboro Cemetery.

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