Edmund Thornton
1930 – 2023
Edmund Braxton Thornton, of Ottawa, Illinois, peacefully departed this life on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the age of 93. Edmund is widely remembered by the public as a champion of local conservation and heritage projects, an influential voice within Illinois politics, and a proud Marine. Those close to him enjoyed the privileges of his generous and determined spirit, traits that defined Edmund even in his final days.
A private celebration of Edmund’s life will be arranged at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the family for the establishment of the Edmund B. Thornton Scholarship fund at P.O. Box 1, Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 9, 1930, to George A. and Suzanne (Woodward) Thornton of Ottawa. Edmund attended Ottawa and LaSalle County rural schools before enrolling at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. After high school, Edmund went on to study Geography at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954.
In the summers of 1949 and 1950, he was invited by Donald B. MacMillan to join the crew of the Schooner Bowdoin out of Boothbay Harbour, Maine on two Arctic expeditions. These expeditions took him to numerous Inuit communities in the eastern Arctic and Greenland, where he reached a latitude of 11° from the North Pole. As one of the highlights of his life, Edmund delighted in any opportunity to regale friends and family with his tales of the Arctic.
From 1950 to 1958, Edmund served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Rifle Company G, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment under the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant before his Honorable Discharge in 1956.
Following his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Edmund worked in the Credit Department of the Northern Trust Bank in Chicago, Illinois. In 1959, he joined his family’s business in Ottawa, Illinois in the mining and processing of silica sand. His career with the Ottawa Silica Company spanned 27 years, serving as CEO from 1962 to 1983 and culminating with his retirement in 1986 as Chairman of the company.
In 1972, Edmund was appointed by President Nixon to chair the National Parks Centennial Commission; a year-long celebration of the founding of the National Parks System. As a result of his service, Edmund was awarded the Conservation Service Award, the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
His passion for conservation and history led to the establishment of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor (now known as a National Heritage Area), where he served as its first Chairman from 1985-1988 and again as Chairman from 1999-2000. Edmund represented Illinois as a member on the Board of Advisors of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was the founder and first Chairman of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council, Vice President and Director of the Illinois State Historical Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Museum, as well as serving as Director of the Chicago Maritime Society. Edmund was an early supporter of the numerous archaeological investigations of the Lower Illinois Valley in the 1970s and sat on the board for the Center for American Archeology in Kampsville, Illinois as recently as 2022.
Locally, Edmund served as President of the LaSalle County Historical Society (1963-1965, 1968) and was responsible for the restoration of the old stone warehouse in Utica for use as the County Historical Museum. His vision to expand the Museum’s campus and programming led to the founding of the annual Burgoo fundraiser, which has since become a celebrated tradition for the LaSalle County and Starved Rock communities. In addition, Edmund was active in establishing the Reddick Mansion Association, also serving as an early Director of the association from 1975-1981. He was directly responsible for nominating the Reddick Mansion, together with other buildings and churches around Washington Square in Ottawa, to the Federal Registry of Historic Places.
Edmund’s civic contributions, though significant, were typically made with very little grandeur. Through the Ottawa Silica Company Foundation, he donated land for the construction of the Community Hospital of Ottawa (now OSF Saint Elizabeth) and the newly improved Thornton Park. He was also influential in the development of Ottawa’s first operational airport and conceived of and commissioned the “Effigy Tumuli” sculptures at Buffalo Rock designed by artist Michael Heizer.
Edmund began his political career in 1962 when he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in the 15th District of Illinois. Though his bid was unsuccessful, Edmund remained in politics and was appointed to Governor Richard B. Ogilvie’s Advisory Council and received the Republican Party Outstanding Service Award for Illinois in 1971. Edmund represented Illinois in the Electoral College as one of the Presidential Electors in the 1964, 1968, 1972, 1980, and 1984 contests and acted as an official Delegate at the Republican National Conventions of 1964, 1968, 1972, 1984, and 1992.
For twelve years (1980-1992), Edmund was at the helm of the LaSalle County Republican Central Committee, which flourished under his astute leadership. Edmund never shied away from getting on the phone to Springfield to advocate for his County, securing jobs for the community he so cherished. His commitment to the role of County GOP Chairman is yet unrivaled; he advanced the expectations of the role to new levels of personal responsibility. His reputation as a political figure inspired his wife, Susan, and, eventually, his eldest grandson, Max, to also engage in local politics.
A lifelong resident of Ottawa, Edmund always enjoyed the tranquil surroundings of his home, Thornwood, which he shared with his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Taylor, and the companionship of numerous beloved pets throughout the years. Edmund was a true bibliophile and could usually be found relaxing in the backyard hammock or in his favorite chair, book in hand. Spending time outdoors brought him deep satisfaction; hunting, camping, and target shooting were among his chosen pastimes. Edmund was a life member of both Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association. He was a fixture at local DU and NRA dinners and was proud to share these interests with his son-in-law, Jay, and grandson, Sam.
He is survived by his wife Susan J. (Feldhaus) Thornton of Oglesby, Illinois, and her children: Rendy (Jay) Halm of LaSalle, Illinois; Tim (Lisa) Rybarczyk of Spring Valley, Illinois; Burl (Stacey Jones Erdman) George IV of Tucson, Arizona, and Taylor H. Thornton, currently of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as well as his four children from his previous marriage: Thomas (Lindsay) Thornton of Oyster Bay, New York; Jonathan (Raney) Thornton of Sante Fe, New Mexico; Amanda (Barney) Loehnis of New Canaan, Connecticut; and Susan O. Thornton. Edmund’s legacy also includes thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother James, and many friends and relatives.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433