Clyde Thornton

Clyde James Thornton, 88, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Mansfield, died Monday, April 22, 2013 at Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, Florida. Born February 3, 1925 in Elberton, Georgia, he was the son of Henry A. and Sarah N. (Ashworth) Thornton.

A veteran of the United States Army, he was a member of the 101st Airborne where he was a paratrooper. He was the owner of Thornton Polishing and Buffing, was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and Westbrook Country Club where he loved playing golf. He also enjoyed horse racing.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Steve Inglin of Sarasota, Florida; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Dawn Thornton of Lexington; seven grandchildren, Gina (John) Niedoliwka, Melanie (Eric) Gabryl, Angela (Jamie) Celestini, John Gualdoni, Grant Thornton, Gregory Thornton and Cassandra Inglin; and seven great grandchildren, John Thomas Niedolowka, Brook Hanna Niedoliwka, Eric Tyler Gabryl, Justin Joseph Gabryl, Ella Diane Gabryl, Alayna Wendy Celestini and Domenic Caesar Celestini. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Rita (Polewach) Thornton on January 7, 2011; a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and John Gualdoni; and a brother, Shirley "Slim" Thornton.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Road, Ontario. Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013 at St. Peter's Catholic Church celebrated by Father Tom McQuillen. Burial will be in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.