David Merel Thornburg was born in the Ray Community, Cherokee County, Oklahoma on March 16, 1942, to parents, Andrew Jackson Thornburg and Zelma (Crisp) Thornburg. He attended school in Hulbert, OK before beginning a lifelong career as a self-employed carpenter. In his spare time he liked to make hunting knives.

David liked music and played guitar at the Ray Community Church in his younger days. His family will always remember him as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

David passed from this life early Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at his home in Wagoner, at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Zelma Thornburg; daughters, Kristi Birdsong, Teresa Rae Linn and an infant daughter, Roxanne Thornburg; grandchildren, Jackie Birdsong, Brandon Birdsong and Christopher Thornburg and a step-grandson, Daniel Yochum; three sisters, Maxine Rhodes, Aileen Daniels and Geraldine Thornburg and a brother, J. R. Thornburg.

Survivors include his wife, Margie Thornburg of the home; children, including, daughter Lisa Crouch of Wagoner, granddaughter Misty Crouch of Wagoner, daughter Shawn White of Tulsa and step-daughter, Leisa Mclaughlin and her husband, Mitch Mclaughlin of Jenks; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Pearline Rhodes of Wagoner, Carol Sue Townsend and Wanda Lou Gardner, both of Hulbert; two brothers, Allen Lee Thornburg and Roger Thornburg, both of Coweta; extended family and friends.

Viewing will be Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 am Friday, November 2 at the Church of God, 115 South State Street, Wagoner. The Reverend Bruce VonWald will officiate.

Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery in Wagoner. Pallbearers will be Braden Farar, Scotty Farar, Jonathon Scroggins, Aaron Thornburg, Misty Crouch and Billy Ford Jr.