Ronald Dean Thornton, 81, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away September 11, 2026, after a short illness. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to his parents Jesse and Margaret (Hughes) Thornton, Jr. He grew up with eight siblings. Ronald graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs.
He found the love of his life, Betty Mounce. They were married February 28, 1964. Ronald had said he wanted to get married on February 29, so they would only have to celebrate their anniversary every four years.
Ronald worked for the Union Pacific Railroad until he retired in 2005. He started as a machinist, moved on to be a foreman, then retired as the general manager.
He was an avid bowler. During his lifetime, he bowled three 300 games. He loved nature, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and working in his yard. He was a faithful donor of blood and plasma for over 50 years.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Bernell Crabtree, Pat Crandall and Nancy Clemens. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Thornton; his daughters Cindy (Brian) Howard, Kim Thornton and Ronda (Craig) Jones; Grandchildren Ryan Howard, Chelsea Taylor, Ashley Barnhart, Abby Jones and Dane Trotter; Great-grandchildren Olivia, Aleigha, Jordan and Tyler Howard, Easton and Paisley Taylor, Waylon, Georgia, Clara and Elsie Barnhart; his brother Roy Thornton and sisters Peggy Stoker, Jean Blue, Debbie McIntosh and Kathy Jewett.
A visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th, St., Lincoln, Nebraska. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM, at the funeral home.
The family requests that memorials be given to the American Red Cross (see link below).
