John L Thornton

John L. Thornton was born June 24, 1946, to the parents of Inez Portley-Thornton and John Henry Thornton. This Christian family was very close knit in their faith for the Lord. Their love and kindness for other people was the foundation of their lives.

To their union were 5 sons, John Otis Thornton (deceased), Don Thornton (deceased), Steve Thornton (deceased), and Douglas Thornton of Longview. The Thornton family lived in Tatum Community, and he moved to Houston, and later back to Longview. He attended Mayflower Public School, Class of 1964. He was later drafted in the U.S. Army and served our country for 4 years.

John L. Thornton was known to a lot of people as a man with a heart of gold. He helped any and everybody. He never knew a stranger and literally would almost give you his last, and did many of times. He wanted to see you smile.

After the military life, he returned home and worked until he retired at Union Pacific. He drove over the road as a truck driver until one day he said enough of that. (Still smiling)

John L.’s biggest joy in life was his daughters, Mildred Thornton McKinney (Bruce) and Chasity Thornton Harris (Robert), he loved his family. As life went on a greater joy came with his grandchildren. Da’Brayln Jamal Anthony, Anna Marie McKinney, Sha ‘Diamond Rena Harris and Ra’Mia Rena Harris, Aaron Lee McKinney (deceased) and a host of other family and friends.

He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed all the time they spent together from TV binges of the westerns, watching the NASCAR racing and teaching them how to drive his pickup to, riding in his old school car. To them he was truly their BIG POPPA, who always showed them to do the right thing. His witty charm and heartfelt laughter always kept people around him. He loved working on cars and also enjoyed going to the race track with his friends. If you are with him, you’re going to get a good laugh. He should have been a comedian.

As we sit today and reflect on this man who got his wings on September 4, 2023, let’s all remember his smile, and his heart of giving. He will forever be in our hearts and remembered as a man who lived his life like it was filled with gold!

St. John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend”.

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