Wayne Thornton, age 73, of Palestine, was called home to his eternal residence in Heaven on Monday, the 25th day of January 2021. Wayne was born on the 27th day of September 1947, to parents A.M. “Dick” Thornton and Delores Fern Oliver Thornton in Athens, Texas. He grew up in the Springfield and Blackfoot community where he attended school at Stafford Springs and Cayuga. Wayne served in the U.S. Army and attended College in Uvalde, T.S.T.I. in Waco, and American Technological University in Killeen, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and pilots license.
Wayne was a hard worker and had been driving a cow truck since he was a young teenager which led to his passion for ranching. He was a former Palestine Fire Fighter and truck driver. Wayne was a talented storyteller and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star-Tennessee Colony Chapter and Masonic Lodge.
Wayne was the happiest when he was at home with his family, close friends, and neighbors. He was a lifetime member at Friendship Baptist Church and served as a teacher, Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the Deacons. He loved and served the Lord to the best of his ability and was proud that all his children were saved and prepared for their home in Heaven.
He is preceded in death by his parents Dick and Delores Thornton; son, Timmy Shaver; and brother, David “Boots” Thornton.
Left to cherish the memories of the good times are his loving wife of 48 years, Marion Thornton; daughters, Lisa Nesbitt and husband Randy, Deanna Turner and husband Chance; sons, Alton “Speedy” Shaver and wife Joy, Tyler Thornton and wife Mandy; sister, Carol Thornton; brother-in-law, Maurice Barron; fourteen grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. Wayne is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members and a multitude of friends.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 29th day of January 2021 at Rhone Funeral Home.
A funeral service to celebrate Wayne Thornton’s life is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning, on Saturday, the 30th day of January 2021 at Friendship Baptist Church with Bro. Jerry Horine and Bro. Lynn Stroud officiating. Interment will follow in Liberty Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Charles Jenkins, Randy Jenkins, Toby Thornton, Christian Thornton, John Mott, Jerry Sudduth, Chuck Thornton, and Ken Cooper. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Friendship Baptist Church.
Kindly note that for the protection of all who visit our funeral home, current protocols and guidelines are in place where masks and social distancing are required.
Funeral services for Wayne Thornton are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert Wayne Thornton, please visit our floral store.