Paul was the middle child of a family of five. He had two older sisters, and two younger brothers. Paul was a fighter his entire life who endeavored to always protect his son and family.
Paul is survived by his parents, Joyce Jane Thornton and Newell K. Thornton, his sisters, Tina Allyce Suddy (Brian Suddy), Lisa Ann Thornton (James Christensen) his brothers, Ryan Thornton, and Mathew Lynn Thornton (Lisa Gleed-Thornton), and six nephews: Chris, Chase, Wil, Mat, Jake, Wyatt, one niece, Josie, and one grandnephew, Logan. He also leaves one terrific kitty cat, Rocky. Paul is the proud parent of his son, Kent James Thornton. Paul was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Wallace G. Thornton, and Ethel Thornton and his maternal grandparents, Josephine Hess, and Henry R. Hess.
Paul graduated from Granite High School, and the University of Utah where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Paul put himself through the university while working at Christensen Diamond, where he had many friends and even a few relatives. Paul worked at L-3 Harris Technologies as a senior quality assurance engineer and was well-liked, respected and earned multiple awards for excellence.
Paul had a wide variety of interests, including gardening, home remodeling, cooking, (the world’s best Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie) camping, gunsmithing, marksmanship, beer brewing as well as fine bourbons and cigars. He had a beautiful home, and he seemed to always have a home improvement project in the works. Most of all Paul enjoyed spending time with his son, Kent. Rocky (the family cat) enjoyed spending time with Kent and Paul. Paul was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubbies and the Miami Dolphins. When he could, he always enjoyed a trip to Phoenix for Spring Training. Paul could always find time to help-out family and friends and pulled us all out of at least a few tough spots. Thank goodness that he owned a tile saw.
The family would like to give thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for the wonderful care he received.
Family and Friends are invited to toast Paul at The Huddle, 2400 east. Fort Union Blvd from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
Services will be: Thursday, October 7th. Viewing at 1pm, Graveside at 2pm. Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106.
