Donald E. Thornton

Donald E. Thornton, 77, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018. He was born in Decatur, IN to the late William “Whitey” and Ella Ireta Thornton. Don graduated from Decatur High School in 1959, attended Ball State University, and went on to graduate from the International Business College in Fort Wayne, IN. He retired as the Vice President of Home Loan Bank of Fort Wayne, with over 25 years of service. After retirement, Don enjoyed traveling, visiting family, and his grandkids. He was very active in the community and enjoyed volunteering his time and talents. He was a board member at the Volunteer Center (RSVP) and the League for the Blind and Disabled. He loved helping with coats for kids and assisting people with taxes. Don was a member of the Lions Club, having received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for his dedicated humanitarian services in 2017. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church. Surviving are his children, Chris (Mary Schoeppel) Thornton of Tell City, IN; Gary (Paula) Thornton of Palm Harbor, FL; and Gina (Jon) Sailer of Lexington, SC; and his grandchildren, Lauren and Jack Sailer. Also surviving are his sisters, Reta Thornton and Mary Tricker, both of Decatur, IN. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah M. Thornton, and sister, Alice Johnson. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am March 20, 2018 at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7215 St. Joe Road Fort Wayne Indiana with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be Monday, March 19, 2018, from 2 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm with a vigil service at 4:30 pm at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E Dupont Road, Fort Wayne Indian. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to RSVP. To sign the online guest book, go to www.domccombandsons.com.