Gerald R. Thornton, of Eureka died on Friday, February 29, 2008 at Medicalodge of Eureka at the age of 92.
He was born on March 13, 1915 in Eureka, Kansas, the son of Harry Daniel and Susan Evelyn (Nugent) Thornton. He was raised in Eureka and attended local schools. He went to work on a Quail farm in Kingman County, Kansas. Later he worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad and Griffitts Plumbing. Jack then went to work for the Greenwood County Road and Bridge Department building bridges where he worked for thirty years. He loved working with his cattle and his dog.
On September 9, 1938 he was united in marriage to Velma Lorene Ritter in Yates Center. She preceded him in death in 2006.
He was a member of the Lions Club and a Mason.
He is survived by his son, Jerry A. Thornton of Eureka; daughter Janice Chastain; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Ronald Lee Thornton; three brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Koup Family Funeral Home with Pastor Alan Hunter officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in name to the Medicalodge Christmas Fund. Memorials may be sent in care of the funeral home at
P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045.
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