Joe Elbert Thornburgh peacefully passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Tulsa, OK, at 89 years old. Born in Okmulgee, OK, on Christmas Day, December 25, 1936, he was the son of the late Bert and Margaret (Alden) Thornburgh.
As a young man, Joe enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball, baseball, and softball, and he loved hunting. Joe graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1954 before attending the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He completed his education at Oklahoma City University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. Joe served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and again from 1961 to 1962. He was a proud citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Joe had a successful career with General Electric in sales and operations management, and later served as the Human Resources Manager for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Joe married Wanda Jean Norman on July 3, 1965, in Oklahoma City, OK. They resided in Oklahoma City, El Paso, Texas, Richardson, Texas, and in 1979, they made Broken Arrow their home. Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his beloved daughter, Rhana Jaree (Thornburgh) Perkins. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching college football and college basketball games with her. He eagerly looked forward to visits from his grandchildren, sharing countless stories and endless belly laughs. Throughout his life, Joe touched many lives and leaves behind a circle of loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Margaret Thornburgh.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wanda Thornburgh of Tulsa; his daughter Rhana Perkins and her husband, David L. Perkins Jr. of Tulsa; grandchildren Delaney McKnight and her husband Tyler of Edmond, Drew and Will Vickers of Oklahoma City; great-grandchildren Wes and Scotty McKnight of Edmond; sister Mary Lou Hasselman of Okmulgee; along with nieces, nephews, and many other relatives.
