Donald Deloy Thornton

Donald Deloy Thornton, 76, died February 8th, with his family by his side in Pocatello, Id.

A funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February the 13th at the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints in American Falls, Idaho (3^rd ward – 650  Pocatello Ave.).  A viewing will be held for family and friends at the Davis- Rose Mortuary in American Falls on Sunday, February 12^th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Don was born January 21, 1936, in American Falls to LueRay and Jessie Thornton. His father was a sheepherder in Idaho and Wyoming and his mother was a homemaker. They lived and raised their family in the Neeley area.

Don spent summers playing sports and spending a great deal of time in the outdoors.  He graduated from American Falls High School in 1954. He joined the Navy after high school and served honourably for 4 years. The majority of that time was on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Princeton.  He attended college at Idaho State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. He later met and married Lorna Millard and had three children: Marcy Dawn (Schwendiman), Brett Edward Thornton and Malynda Rae (Duern).  They later divorced.  He later married and divorced Jan Jordan.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for most of his life. He was a beloved neighbour and friend of all.  He actively supported various charities.  He spent many years caring for his parents and his brother, Grant Thornton, who preceded him in death.

He spent his life serving those around him in any way that he could.  He was a beloved father and he presented the perfect example to his children and all that knew him of how selfless we all should be.  His example and service has touched many and has changed all that knew him for the better.    

His interests included family, singing, gardening, fishing, caring for animals and reading. He devoted much of his time and energy serving family members, friends, strangers and the community. He was a romantic at heart, probably influenced by his taste in music which included Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and the crooners of that era. He loved to spend his spare time singing the tunes that inspired his youth. 

Don is survived by his sister, Karen Perkins and spouse; brothers: Thomas Thornton, Kendall Thornton and their spouses, his children and their spouses, and his 9 grandchildren: Breydon Thornton, Ashley Gleed, Cordel Schwindeman, Madison Gleed, Shalene Schwindwman, Victoria Gleed, Ethan Thornton, Treyson Thornton and Grayson Duern.