Joseph Ernest Thornton Jr.

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

-Matthew 25:23

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Ernest Thornton on June 30, 2024. Born on November 23, 1930, at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. He was the beloved son of Joseph “Joe” Ernest Thornton and Catherine Ruth Lewis.

Joe's life was marked by dedication and service. He attended Woodruff High School on a vocational/academic curriculum, concentrating on industrial arts such as woodworking, printing, electrical, drafting, and metal craft. Joe focused on metal craft and graduated in 1949. Even after pursuing a professional career in engineering, Joe was very proud of his woodworking skills. He enjoyed woodturning pens and bowls, designing and crafting new kitchen cabinets, and creating woodcut figurines.

After high school graduation, Joe enrolled in a Machinist apprentice program at Caterpillar Inc. Seeking a new direction, he pursued technical training at the Coyne TV and Radio School in Chicago, which led him to a career with the RCA Service Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he installed and repaired televisions.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, Joe joined the U.S. Navy on January 1, 1951. After completing boot camp, he attended Electronics Technician School. During his leave, Joe reconnected with high school classmate Carol Lee Billerbeck, and they married on June 8, 1952. As an original crew member on the U.S.S. John S. McCain DL3, Joe was honored with the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Plank Owners Certificate, and a commendation for his exemplary leadership and outstanding ability to carry out assignments. He served as an electronics technician 1st class, repairing and installing radios and radar equipment until his honorable discharge in December 1955.

A man of deep faith, Joe accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1948. In 1954, while attending the Evangelical Covenant Church, Joe and his wife Carol rededicated their lives to Christ. He served as a deacon and sang in the choir at Bethany Bible Church, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his faith and community.

Joe continued his education by enrolling in the electrical engineering program at the University of Illinois, earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1960. His career took him to East Hartford, Connecticut, where he worked as a test engineer with United Aircraft Research Lab. In 1963, Joe accepted a position with Goodyear Aerospace Corp in Goodyear, Arizona, as a Development Engineer. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1964, and his work contributed to various defense projects vital to the nation’s security. After 25 years of dedicated service, Joe retired from Loral Defense Systems (formerly Goodyear Aerospace) in 1989.

Post-retirement, Joe embraced a new role as Operations Manager at Arizona College of the Bible, where he designed, installed, and managed the school’s data information systems. Joe will be remembered for his steadfast faith, dedication to his family and country, and his contributions to the fields of engineering and defense. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Joe is survived by his sister-in-law, Gloria King, and cherished daughters: Laurel Winters (John), Holly Hobaica (Danny), and Heather White (Mark). He was a devoted grandfather to Joey and Danny Winters, Phebe Catedral (Gabriel), Kyra Rose (Brandon), and Hannah Hobaica. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol B. Thornton; brother, Morgan Thornton; parents, Joseph Ernest Thornton and Catherine Ruth Lewis; and granddaughter, Emma Carol Hobaica.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, July 20, at 3:00 pm at Fellowship Square, 2002 West Sunnyside Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85029.

The interment of Joe and Carol B. Thornton will be on July 19th at 11:00 am in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

May he rest in peace.