Samuel Worth Thornton

Samuel (Mr. Sam) Thornton was born on April 27, 1937, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Ealie W. Thornton and Elizabeth (Metoyer) Thornton.

Mr. Sam received his early childhood education from Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and later attended Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. At the young age of 16, Mr. Sam joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War. His dedication to military service spanned across decades, continuing with the Navy Seabees and eventually returning to the Army. Altogether, Mr. Sam proudly served for a combined 40 years before his retirement.

In early 1960 Mr. Sam married the love of his life, Agnes (Simien). Together they relocated to Los Angeles, California to build their life. It was in Los Angeles that they raised their children, Lisa and Rob. Mr. Sam worked as an auto mechanic and became an owner and operator of a full service gas station for Union Oil Company in downtown Los Angeles. During his years in Los Angeles, Mr. Sam mentored and coached young boys in the Pop Warner Football program. He was a proud member of the Oldsmobile Car Club where he showed off the other love of his life, his 1967 Oldsmobile 442.

In 1988, Mr. Sam and Agnes decided to retire and return to their Louisiana roots. They settled in Benton, Louisiana. Mr. Sam couldn't sit still for long. He became a Deputy Sheriff for the Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District, as well as the Zoo Coordinator. His work experience includes positions at the Horseshoe and Margaritaville casinos.

Mr. Sam also worked as Commissioner for Bossier Parish.

A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, Mr. Sam also had a deep love for animals and nature. He found joy in watching the deer roam his property and made sure his bird feeders were always full, finding peace in bird watching and the quiet rhythms of the outdoors. In addition, he had a deep love for alligators. He continued to attend and enter his beloved Oldsmobile in the local car shows. He was known to share his multitude of stories with anyone who would listen.

Mr. Sam was a longtime devoted member of St. Jude Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. It was at St. Jude that Mr. Sam found his nearest and dearest friends, who provided an amazing bond and support system.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ealie and Elizabeth Thornton; sister, Rose Thornton and brother, Ealie W. Thornton, Jr.

Mr. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Agnes Thornton; daughter, Lisa L. Thornton and husband Tony Norwood; son, Robney Ealie Thornton and wife, Elaine Fuller; sister, Ophelia Thornton; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

A visitation for Mr. Sam will be held Friday, September 19, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Rd, Benton, Louisiana 71006, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Northwest Veterans Cemetery in Keithville.

Honoring Mr. Thornton as pallbearers will be Michael Metoyer, John A. Williams, Ealie Dixon, Rlester Allen, Donald Sonnier, and William Randy Long.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Braniff, Tony Hrdlicka, Jerry Kolniak, James Brickner and Grafton Tucker, Sr.

We, the family of Samuel W. Thornton wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation for the prayers, visits, flowers, and every act of kindness shown during our time of bereavement.

May God bless each of you. Your thoughtfulness has brought us comfort and strength.