Richard Leslie Thornton

Dick was born August 23, 1944 in Tacoma, WA to Leslie and Pauline Thornton. He grew up in Tacoma with his three younger brothers and many cousins. He was proud of his first car he saved for and bought while he was in high school. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964.

Dick spent a summer working in the kitchen of The Paradise Inn at Mt. Rainier National Park. It was there he met the love of his life, Mary Lou (Compton). They were married at Morton Methodist Church in 1970 and shared their lives together for 44 wonderful years. They bought a new home in Puyallup and lived there for five years before moving to Morton. Dick went to work for his father-in-law on the family Christmas tree farm, where they raised their three children.

Dick honorably served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1969. He was stationed in Kingsville, Tx in a training squadron before serving on the USS Tripoli, an aircraft carrier which was in service off the coast of Vietnam. Dick was in charge of 14 men in the combat cargo division, which oversaw everything that came on and off the ship by air.

The most important thing in Dick’s life was his relationship with Jesus. He was a man of strong faith and a long-time member and elder at Morton Community Bible Church, as well as Shoestring Community Church. He led many Bible studies and Sunday School classes and always encouraged others to know Jesus. He looked forward to Heaven.

Dick was an accomplished wood carver, had an extensive bonsai garden, loved old cars, drawing and fishing. He also had a big sense of humor and was always joking.

He is survived by his children Shelley (Jim) Simon of Tacoma, Jeff Thornton of Mineral, Lisa Thornton of University Place and his only grandchild, Derek Thornton of Lakewood. He also leaves behind his brothers Randy and Paul.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brother David.

A celebration of life will be held at Brown’s Mortuary in Morton on Friday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m.