Garry Lee Thornell, 72, Marion, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on November 28, 1950, to Clyde and Geneva (Schoolcraft) Thornell.
Garry graduated from Marion High School in 1969 and then attended Purdue University. He later graduated from The School of Massage Therapy in Alexandria. He worked for Marion Community Schools in maintenance, owned and operated Garry’s Photography for 20 years, and worked at Lowe’s, where he was known as the “electrical pro”. He was a member of Professional Photographers of America for 20 years, Professional Photographers of Indiana for 20 years, life member of National Rifle Association, and former member of both American Massage Association and the FOP.
Garry loved history, especially WWII, and was an avid photographer. He loved to travel, having been to all 50 states plus the Caribbean. Garry also loved camping, followed Purdue sports, and was a huge Yankees fan. He was a sponsor for the PAL Club, where he had been a coach, and he had the privilege of coaching his son in soccer, basketball, and baseball while at the PAL Club.
Survivors include his son, Garry Adam (Jessica) Thornell; grandchildren, Thomas and Jazzlynn; former wife and lifelong companion, Barbara Jean Thornell; brother, Clyde (Valerie) Thornell; sister, Dixie (David) Hensley; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Garry’s life will begin at 5:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be directed to PAL Club, 555 E. Morton St., Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Garland “Garry”, please visit our floral store.