On Monday, October 30, 2017, of Silver Spring, MD. He was born May 24, 1928 in Newton, IA to Arthur and Lillie Thornton. He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Margaret Thornton; four children, Andy (Carol) Thornton, Kathy (Gary) Miller, Alison McHenry, and Tricia Blankinship; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Ben, and David (Kara) Thornton, Carolyn (Kent) Gabriel, Michael (Laura) Miller, Patty Reed, Emily (Chad) Humbert, and Tina Blankinship and two great-grandchildren, Sam and Peter Humbert. He is also survived by step-daughter, Peggy (Miles) Chidel and their children, Max, Jake, Kimberly, and Heather; sisters-in-law Vivian (Floyd) Knudsen and Shirley Galloway, and brothers-in-law Jim and Henry (Annette) Galloway; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Jean Galloway Thornton; seven brothers and sisters, and his beloved hunting dog, Joe.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served on Johnston Island in the South Pacific. For 47 years he was employed as an automobile mechanic, most recently at Marv & Mike’s Transmission in Rockville, MD. He loved to fish, hunt and cut anything down with a chainsaw. He spent time volunteering at West River Center, Churchton, MD. He lived for 51 years on Mitscher Court, Kensington, MD where he was part of a loving, tight-knit group of neighbors.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), on Thursday November 2, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. Graveside Service and Interment Maryland Veteran’s Cemetery-Cheltenham on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850.