William Thornton's Obituary
Decatur-William R. Thornton, 69, of Decatur, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his family.
Memorial service to celebrate William’s life will be 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Christ Tabernacle Church, 401 W. Prairie, with a reception immediately following the service. The family requests casual attire. Private family graveside services with military honors and “Flight Home” Ceremony will be held at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to DMH Hospice or Christ Tabernacle Church. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Bill was born August 28, 1939 in Decatur the son of Carl H. and Helen M. (Shuler) Thornton. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired millwright. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He married Linda Kupiec March 7, 1963.
He leaves behind his wife; Linda, children; Teri Kitchens and husband Kevin of Blue Mound, William R. Thornton, Jr. and wife Karla of Oreana, and Tamara Shafer and companion Lonny Ryherd of Decatur, brother; Ronnie Thornton of Macon, sisters; Carol Reiss and husband Ed of Decatur and Alice Troesch of Decatur, grandchildren; Allie and Alaina Kitchens, William, Jonathan, Stephen, Hannah, Timothy, and Noah Thornton, and Max and Sydni Shafer and Mason Ryherd.
He was reunited in heaven with his parents.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Perdekamp and all of the nurses and staff at DMH Hospice especially Gail.
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