Raigen Thornton

Walter “Raigen” Thornton, 70 years, of Granger, Texas passed away on September 28, 2022. Raigen was born in San Saba, Texas on August 03, 1952 to his parents, Richard and Leota Thornton. He was married on August 20, 1972 to Patricia “Stormy” Thornton.

He graduated from Round Rock High School, attended the University of Texas, Abilene Christian University and went on to be a policeman in Odessa, Texas throughout the early 1980s. During that time, he and his father were making plans for the extended family to ranch in Belize. As you all know, Raigen, was all about the planning and his concern about medical care was his top priority. His solution was to become a paramedic. He moved his family back to Austin and worked for Williamson County EMS.

Raigen, alongside his father, started a herd of Brahman cattle on the Lucky T. On his off days he went to Cattle AI school increasing the herd from 8 to 20. Raigen made it a family affair with streamlined procedures, job titles and responsibilities. Being an engineer at heart, if he could think it, he would draw it and build it. There was no obstacle he could not MacGyver through. When the Belize ranch sale didn’t pan out, other doors of opportunity opened. Over the years his endeavors took him across the map practicing paramedicine from Kuwait to Guatemala, to offshore and all over the state of Texas. Raigen was a man that strived to make his dreams a reality. His final venture was born after seeing a movie where he noticed that paramedics and nurses were listed in the film credits. He claimed, “I could do that”. Methodically he took the steps to work as a paramedic in the TV/ film industry and went on to build quite the reputation for being one of the best at his craft. Raigen loved life, having fun, target practice, cold beer, laughing and his extensive iTunes playlist, but anyone who knew him well, knew how seriously he took his work. He a was a “Just In Case” kind of guy. He would think of every scenario that could happen and prepare for it. He would be teased about it, but when it came down to a crucial time, everyone could count on him to be ready and able.

Raigen was survived by his wife, Stormy; daughter, Spring; mother, Leota; sister, Jauana Kay; brother, John and a multitude of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to one of the following:

American Cancer Society

Mail: PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741

Online: cancer.org

Melanoma Research Foundation

Mail: PO Box 719329, Philadelphia, PA 19171-9329

Online: melanoma.org

LINC Austin Outreach

Mail: PO Box 16699, Austin, TX 78761

Online: lincaustin.org

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