1
tree
planted in memory of Kenneth Wilson Thornton
Obituary for Kenneth Wilson Thornton
Kenneth Wilson Thornton was born July 27, 1939, in Port Arthur, Texas and passed away February 5, 2022, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 82. As a young man, he worked with his father at Thornton Roofing Company in Port Arthur, TX learning the trade he excelled in for the rest of his life. In the mid-1960’s, Kenneth moved to Hornbeck, LA with his young family. He made himself known throughout the area as a diligent worker and an outstanding roofer for 35+ years. He loved to sing Hank Williams songs while roofing. Some have been known to say that the hammer sounded better than his singing.
The mountains of Arkansas were his favorite vacation spot to take his family each year. In the last years of his life, he renamed the Louisiana Observation Tower at Toledo Bend Dam, “Lookout Mountain,” and wanted to go there every day.
Later in life, Kenneth studied the Bible and became baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2000. He loved people, therefore he loved sharing in the door-to-door ministry talking to neighbors about the Bible's hope for the future. After retirement, he volunteered his time working with the regional building committee of Jehovah’s Witnesses roofing for disaster relief projects.
Lovingly known as “Pawpaw”, Kenneth loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandbabies. He enjoyed sitting on the back porch with “Grannie" and looking at the pond with the variety of wildlife that visited. He enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together and solving math logic puzzles. He had a sharp mind and many years completed taxes for others. With a sharp wit, he had a contagious sense of humor that could fill a room with laughter.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Tully Thornton, and parents, Aron Wilson Thornton and Helen Freda Thornton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 59 years, Elena Thornton;
Children: Todd Thornton, Tami Griffin and husband Dwayne, and Tricia Cartinez, and husband Joey;
Daughter-in-law: Maurna Thornton;
Grandchildren: Cayla McMillian and husband John, Elena Sacco and husband Coy, Kirkland Cartinez, Tyler Griffin and wife Krystal, Aaron Thornton and wife Mahala, Avery Thornton, Brisa Cartinez, and Cheyton Cartinez;
Great-grandchildren: Jaxtyn Cartinez, Emeri Cartinez, Atticus McMillian, and twins-on-the-way Emma Thornton & Noah Thornton;
Sisters: Freda Rivera and husband Dindo, and Kathy Matthews and friend Huck;
and a host of extended family members and friends.
A virtual memorial service for Kenneth will be held Sunday, February 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. through a Zoom meeting. You can join the meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89407245402. The meeting ID is 894 0724 5402 and the passcode is 489729.
To plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Wilson Thornton, visit the
Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Memorial
Sunday
20
Feb
2:00 PM
Zoom Meeting
A virtual memorial service for Kenneth will be held Sunday, February 20, 2022, through a Zoom meeting. You can join the meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89407245402. The meeting ID is 894 0724 5402 and the passcode is 489729.
Loading...
