Talon Jay Thornton, 59, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in his home.

Talon was born on February 12, 1965, in Springfield IL to Lynn E. and Musetta M. (Weaver) Thornton. He is preceded in death by his older brother, Jerry D. Thornton; mother, Musetta M. Thornton; father, Lynn E. Thornton; father-in law, Reginald (Bud) V. Simeon, and brother-in-law, Scott T. Simeon. Talon is survived by his by his wife, Monica (Simeon) Thornton (Springfield), his children: Caitlyn H. Bee (St. Louis, Mo), Logan A. Thornton (St. Louis, MO), Jenna M. Thornton (Tulsa, OK), and Nolan P. Thornton (Springfield, IL); and sister Lynette M. Jones (Edward) and brother David A. Thornton (partner Rena Bergstrom) (Springfield, IL); Mother-in-Law, Joan (LaTinis) Simeon, and sibling-in-law, Wendy (Wiegelman) Simeon, Wade Simeon, Cole Simeon, Melinda Monson (Jon Eric), Matthew Simeon (Irene), and Erin Gump (Michael) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Talon was the owner of Mae’s Candy ‘n Cake Supplies in Springfield, IL. He was formerly the Director of the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield IL where he started in 1987 as a volunteer. He retired as Director in 2013. He was instrumental in several critical national conservation projects while at the zoo, including the Red Wolf and Red Ruffed Lemur Species Survival Programs. He shared his love for animals with the community through countless outreach and education programs. He was an avid outdoorsman with a love for nature and wildlife traveling to many national parks in the US and Kenya throughout his lifetime.

He was a basketball, softball, and baseball coach and Athletic Director at Little Flower Catholic School for many years as well a referee and umpire. He coached all four of his children as well as many of the other kids in the school district and in Rochester, IL.

Talon was a member of the Church of St. Jude in Rochester, Il, and served as a hospitality minister along with wife, Monica, and son, Nolan.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2:00-5:00PM at St. Jude church with a mass and luncheon to follow on Monday, June 3, at 10:00AM. Burial will follow in the upcoming days at the Bates Cemetery in Iron River, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Park Foundation.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.

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