Leroy Thornton

Leroy spent his early years in Oklahoma until his family moved West, ultimately settling in Farmersville, CA. Leroy loved being a part of a big family and fondly shared stories of family gatherings at his parents ranch. In 1955, Leroy enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent 4 years as a Military Police Officer. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in Dublin, CA, England, Morocco, South Dakota and Sacramento, CA. Upon discharge, Leroy settled in San Leandro, CA and it was there that he met his wife of 61 years, Joanne. Leroy would also begin a career in Wastewater Treatment Management that would span over 30 years working for the Cities of Hayward, Madera, Atwater and Fresno. In 1964, they expanded their family with a son, Gary Miles and a daughter Susan Renee (Suzy) in 1966.

Upon retiring, Leroy moved to Bullhead City, AZ and found true joy in traveling the US with his wife Joanne in their RV. They would visit National Parks, attend family reunions, and visit extended family around the US.

Leroy was proceeded in death by his wife Dorothy Joanne Thornton, his parents Fred and Effie Thornton, his brothers Robert Thornton, Raymond Thornton, Russell Thornton and his sister Mildred Smith. He is survived by his son Gary Thornton (Kate), his daughter Suzy Konda (Mike), four grandchildren Eric Tyler Thornton, Joel David Doty, Amelia Claire Konda and Olivia Mabrey Konda, his brother Stanley Thornton, his sisters Dorothy Neukirchner and Shirley Tucker and as well as many nephews and nieces.

Services for Leroy will be held Saturday March 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel located at 1120 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291. Lunch will be served immediately following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Thornton family.