CONFIRMED: Steve Thornhill, Retired, Veteran, US Air Force (87-25) 23 Apr 25
2217 FM3009
Schertz, TX 78154
USA
US AIR FORCE RETIRED VETERAN
The family of Mr. Steve Thornhill, a US Air Force (Ret.) Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services, and the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Stephen D. Thornhill, 68, went home to the Lord on April 10, 2025. He was born June 11, 1956, at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana to Bonnie (Newman) and Dwight (Jack) Thornhill. His mother Bonnie was a registered nurse, earning her degree via a WWII program that paid for her degree in exchange for being “drafted.” His father Jack was a construction superintendent. While growing up, he moved 19 times…Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia.
After a brief period of riding bareback horses, roping, and rodeo clowning, he came to the realization rodeo may not be the best career choice. In November 1974, Steve enlisted in the USAF. After
completing basic training at Lackland AFB TX, Steve was assigned to USAF Security Service, Kelly AFB TX, as a personnel specialist. His job required a Top Secret-SSIR clearance. This required a background check going back 20 years. Thanks to his mom, after numerous calls wondering what Stephen had done, his DD Form 398 was completed. Steve spent the majority of his career in San Antonio TX. Other assignments were San Vito AB Italy, where Stephen Jr. was born, Maxwell AFB AL, where Michael was born, Randolph AFB TX, Kunsan AB Korea, and back to Randolph AFB TX, where he retired. While at Randolph AFB, he was assigned to HQ Air Force Personnel Center where he was instrumental in the development/deployment of personnel systems, APDS-II, PHASE IV, and PC-III. He was also the Air Force functional manager for the Personnel Systems Managers career field. Steve retired as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force in November 1994.
He then became a contractor working on the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS) until 2000 when he went to Lockheed Martin as Operations Manager for DCPDS, where he retired in March 2013. Steve loved to play golf and cruise. He spent many hours at Randolph Oaks golf course hitting that little white ball. He took over administration of the semi-annual Duckbutter golf tournament, held in Las Vegas NV. Over 20 guys played twice a year for over 20 years, and it still is going on today. Cruising became his passion, and it did not matter about the itinerary. Steve would always say, “It is not the destination, it is the journey.” Steve will be greatly missed!
He was preceded in death by his father, Dwight Thornhill, and his mother Bonnie (Newman) Thornhill.
He is survived by his wife Karen; sons Stephen Jr (Jeong) Thornhill and Michael (Natalie) Thornhill; daughters Melissa (Aaron) Teeler and Jennifer Welch; his grandchildren Madsion and Jackson Thornhill, Corbin, and Kayla Teeler; his brother David; and numerous cousins.
WEATHER: Hi 87 / Lo 71, 32 % Chance of Rain, 97 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph ESE
REQUESTOR: Mark Kemp, Family SPOX
STAGING: 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Schertz Funeral Home
2217 FM 3009
Schertz, Texas 78154
https://goo.gl/maps/Wk8BmMgM56N2
BRIEFING: 10:45 am
SERVICE: 12:00 pm
Schertz Funeral Home
2217 FM 3009
Schertz, Texas 78154
https://goo.gl/maps/Wk8BmMgM56N2
KSU: 1:15 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 2:15 pm – Shelter #2 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Don “Papa Bear” Williams
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers