Context: The attached video initially aired on July 24, 2025.
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Family of a man who was killed in July as part of a Topeka child abduction case have released his obituary.
Police say Sean E. Thornton, 55, was killed earlier this month alongside his daughter, 29-year-old Ashley T. Brown, in a double-homicide and kidnapping case out of Topeka’s Oakland neighborhood. Family and friends of Thornton are set to honor his memory through a funeral service in early August in nearby Tecumseh.
Sean Thornton (right). (Photo Courtesy/Tommy Peterson)
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27 News talked to Michael Large, a cousin and close friend of Thornton, on July 29 about the situation. He shared his thoughts along with the obituary details for Thornton.
“I don’t even know how to really put that into words,” Large said when asked how he feels in the aftermath of Thornton’s death. “I honestly don’t know. Torrent of emotions over the last week.”
Sean Thornton was born to Bill and Brenda Thornton on Aug. 21, 1969, according to his obituary. He later attended Highland Park High School before finding a job at Topeka’s Blue Cross & Blue Shield where he worked for more than 30 years.
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Sean Thornton is described as “a man of deep faith” in his obituary and regularly attended the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Tecumseh. He had “a kind and generous soul” and went out of his way to help those around him.
“He was loved by all who knew him and took genuine joy in helping others. His warm heart and steadfast loyalty made a lasting impact on everyone around him.
No words can truly capture the loss of such a good man. Sean Eugene Thornton will be missed and loved forever by those who were blessed to know him.”
Sean E. Thornton obituary excerpt
Sean Thornton is survived by his son Aaron Barnshaw, his parents, his sister Patricia Boos along with a niece, nephew and grandchild, Zabe Mendez. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Aug. 9 at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church at 321 Stanton Road in Tecumseh. His service will be held at 11 a.m. on the same day.
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