Ralph Bruce “Butch” Thron, 84, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in his home amid family and friends.
Ralph was born February 4, 1942, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Louis Fredrick Thron and Roberthea (Johnson) Thron.
Ralph grew up in Quincy and resided there until entering the United States Navy in 1960. He served aboard the destroyer USS Stormes. While abroad, he was proud of being one of the crew to welcome ENOS, the chimp, home from his space travel. Ralph returned to Quincy and began employment at Celotex (Quincy Poyer Mill) until 1966 when he and his family moved to Galesburg. He began a new career as a fireman for the CB&Q Railroad, eventually becoming locomotive engineer. After 37 years, he retired in 2002.
Ralph had many interests, including being a founding member of the Prairie Drifters Snowmobile Club and longtime member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (Motorcycle Club). He also enjoyed lunches with his retired railroaders over his lifetime. Butch married three times: Christine Henkenmeier of Texas, Sandy Meinhart of Knoxville, and Kathy Munson of Galesburg.
He also had a great ability to lead, especially while in his snowmobiling club. He traveled to Alaska and Iceland. He also rode his motorcycle all over the United States, making friends and memories on snowmobile and motorcycle trips with friends.
Butch had a great sense of humor which he never lost. Though it was funny that he was born under flashlights, the hospital suffered a blackout while he was being born.
Butch is survived by one son, Bruce Thron of Galesburg, and one sister, Kay Simpson of Quincy; two granddaughters, Emma Thron of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Abby Thron of Fontana, California; a special friend, Sandy Meinhart of Knoxville, Illinois; a special nephew, Ryan Munson of Montgomery, Texas; nieces, Kimberly Simpson of Liberty, Illinois, Doreen Thron and Mary Thron of Quincy, Illinois; special caregiver, Stephanie Fall of Mahomet, Illinois. Preceded by parents; brother, Fredrick Louis Thron; brother, Thomas Dale Thron; sister-in-law, Kathleen Rogers Thron and Audrey Dean Tipton Thron; nephews, Timothy Gale Thron, Christopher Thron, David Thron; and one niece, Rosanne Thron.
Cremation rites will be performed and a burial at Quincy Veterans Home with family attending. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois, will be assisting the family with his wishes. Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.
