William A. (Bill) Thorndyke, 80, of Monroe City, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Missouri.
 Bill was born on June 6, 1944, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Ralph and Nellie Mildred (Smith) Thorndyke. He graduated from Dedham High School in Dedham, Massachusetts, and went on to lead a life of service, compassion, and dedication to his community.
 In 1980, Bill married Nancy Joan Hesh, and together they moved to Monroe City, Missouri, in 1986 to make their home. Bill was a longtime member of the Monroe City Christian Church and a devoted servant to both his family and community. Bill served his country honorable in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He was a 50 year Mason. He worked for the Monroe City Police Department, where he left a lasting impact by establishing the D.A.R.E. program in the area. His efforts to mentor local youth were recognized in 1997 when he was named Missouri D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year.
 Bill also worked as an over-the-road truck driver for Ren Potterfield Trucking and later at Monroe City Elevator. He was deeply involved in the community, serving as President of the Monroe City Nutrition Center and Chairman of the Monroe City VFW. His passion for cars and trucks was well known, as he enjoyed rebuilding vehicles and was an avid jeep drag racer. Above all, Bill cherished spending time with his family and friends, always willing to offer support and guidance to those around him. His love for children and his commitment to mentoring their lives were at the heart of who he was.
 Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, of the home; daughters Debbie Hauptman (John) of Belling­ham, Massachusetts, and Wendy Perera (husband) of Maryland; grandson Cameron Hauptman and granddaughter Haven Hauptman. He is also survived by his brother Merlin Thorndyke of Eureka, Illinois; sister Darlen Maxwell of Bloomington, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister.
 A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Garner Funeral Chapel in Monroe City, with Rev. David Leslie officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with a Masonic service beginning at 7:30 pm at the Garner Funeral Home.
 Honorary pallbearers include Troy Thorndyke, Randy Thorndyke, Gary Thorndyke, Cary Thorndyke, Matt Fowler, Craig Neal, Phillip Potterfield, Mike Disvrow, Zach James, Christiana Minter, and Kyla Minter.
 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Monroe City Nutrition Center or the Monroe City Christian Church.
 The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Garner Funeral Home & Chapel, Monroe City, Missouri. Online condolences may be left at garnerfuneralchapel.com.
 “He touched countless lives with his kindness, wis­dom, and dedication. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”