THORNTON, Mrs. Vera V.: 1906-1973

THORNTON, HIXSON, SANDERSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 11/8/2013 at 09:07:43

The Fairfield Ledger
Thursday, Sept. 13, 1973

2 Sudden Deaths Stun Residents Of Hillsboro

HILLSBORO - This small Southeast Iowa Community was stunned late Wednesday by two sudden deaths.

Eugene C. Van Patten, operator of the Hillsboro Cafe and Tavern, died suddenly at his home at 11:15 p.m.

Mrs. Van Patten called a close friend, Mrs. Vera V. Thornton, 67, to come to her home to be with her.

As Mrs. Thornton walked in the house and saw Mr. Van Patten on the floor, she toppled over and died suddenly. She was employed at his cafe.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday for Mr. Van Patten; and services for Mrs. Thornton will be at 2 p.m. Sunday. Both services will be at the Beatty-Jennings Chapel in Salem.

Eugene C. Van Patten was born Sept. 22, 1920, at Roseville, the son of Albert and Eva Bedford Van Patten.

He was married July 21, 1961, to Marguerite Beeson at Kahoka, Mo.

Survivors include his wife, and two children by a previous marriage; Mrs. Jim Smith, Farmington, and Robert Van Patten, Morrison, Ill. Also two sisters, Mrs. Edna Cummings, Farmington, and Mrs. Blanche Freeman, Kahoka; five grandchildren.

The Rev. Edmund Neubauer will officiate at the funeral and burial will be in the Bonaparte Cemetery.

Mrs. Vera V. Thornton, 67, was born Feb. 19, 1906, at Hillsboro, the daughter of Gilford and Lena Hixson Sanderson.

She was married Feb. 24, 1923, to David A. Thornton at Ottumwa. He died Jan. 13, 1972.

Mrs. Thornton is survived by three sons: Robert, Lexington, Ky.; Jack, Stockport; Richard, Ottumwa; also 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter.

The Rev. L.H. Smith will be in charge of the funeral services Sunday. Interment will be in the Hillsboro Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Heart Fund.

(Transcribed as published. I am of no relation.)