Richard "Rick" S. Thornton

Richard S. Thornton, 71, of Monticello, IL., formerly of Bement, IL., passed away at 9:16 A.M., on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.

Richard was born on November 6, 1953, in Monticello, a son of R. Glenn and Ruby M. Fuqua Thornton. Richard is survived by his daughter; Jessica (Adam) Culp of Monticello, IL. Also, his grandsons, Richard (Camryn Ellis) Garrett, Skylar (Tori) Garrett, granddaughter; Ruby Culp, as well as his great-grandchildren; Liliana and Archer Garrett. Also surviving is his girlfriend; Iva Wright of Bement, and his siblings; Dan (Kitty) Thornton, Julia Collins, Teena (Dick) Rodenbarder, William (Laurel) Thornton, and Janet Thornton. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, 2 nephews and his friends; Jimmy Williams, Mike Shelton and Ed Hess.

Richard was known by some for his academic achievements and intelligence in school and elsewhere as a loyal Central Laborers Union member. Many knew him as “Captain Rick” after his long tenure as a pool captain in the APA and TAP leagues. “Captain Rick and the Sandbaggers” were a well known team who won many championships and went to Las Vegas to compete on several occasions. “Once a sandbagger, always a sandbagger.”

Later, he was beloved at the nursing homes where he spent ten years of his life, both in Bement and Monticello. While he could not speak, many special healthcare professionals learned his signals and sounds, working to help him live out the rest of his years with dignity. His daughter knew him as a thoughtful man who loved nature, gardening, animals, writing and had a great desire for the world to live in peace. Richard worked most of his life at the West End Tavern in Bement, having many responsibilities behind the scenes. He was an accountant who prepared taxes as well as working for the University of Illinois.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M., on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Crossroads Church, 111 E. Bodman St., Bement. The Pastor Jeremiah Gregory will officiate. A meal will be served afterwards for friends and family. A time of fun and remembrance will be held at the West End Tavern in Bement, after the meal. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the World Wildlife Federation at wwf.org, or the Piatt County Nursing Home Foundation at piattcountynursinghome.org.

Aaron and Susie Hinds of Hinds Funeral Home & Cremation Services, are proud to honor the life of Richard S. Thornton, “Our Family is Here to Serve Your Family”. Please visit our website at to offer condolences.www.hindsfuneralhome.com