Phillip T. Thornton

Dr. Phillip T. Thornton was born on August 15, 1933 in Taylorville, Illinois to Ralph and Dorothy (nee Lawyer) Thornton. He died on February 14, 2023 at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

Phillip was a teacher and principal for over 40 years. He started his career as a teacher in Taylorville and Park Forest, Illinois. He served as principal primarily in Illinois School District 59 until his retirement, leading at Brentwood Elementary, Lively Junior High, Grove Junior High, and Devonshire Elementary. A lifelong learner, he earned his Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University. He was dedicated wholeheartedly to public education.

He loved dealing in antiques, delighting especially in old signs and toys. His interest in the Civil War fueled his reading, travel, and participation in the Northern Illinois Civil War Round Table. The Bears, the White Sox, and the Bulls thrilled and disappointed him over the years. He connected with loved ones with his beautifully handwritten Christmas cards, always mailed on December 1st; and when he parted company, he often said, “We will continue to correspond.”

Phillip is survived by his spouse of 31 years, Carol Thornton (nee Ebert); his daughters, Rebecca (Timothy Keller) Rome and Jennifer (Zachary Wilson) Rome, as well as his grandchildren, Aster and Adelaide; he is also survived by niece, Angie Thornton, nephew, Terry Thornton, and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Craig (late Donna) Thornton, and nephew, Gary Thornton.Visitation is Friday, February 17, 2023 from 10:00am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004. Private Interment will take place at Irving Park Cemetery in Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Backpack Buddies, a ministry for School District 59 students with food insecurities, at https://onrealm.org/oursaviourslutheran/-/form/give/now.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.