Jesse Franklin Thornton

Jesse “Jeff” Franklin Thornton, 72, of Tool, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jeff was the devoted husband of Mary Thornton, his beloved wife of 53 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering commitment. He was a proud father to two beautiful daughters, a cherished grandfather to eight grandchildren, and a loving great-grandfather to three.

Born on October 29, 1952, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Robert and Laverne Thornton, Jeff developed a passion early in life for two things that would define much of his journey—motorcycles and Mary. That love of family and riding fueled his path for decades. For 34 years, Jeff owned and operated A+ Rider, a family-run business that became state wide. Through it, he shared not just his deep knowledge of motorcycles, but also his passion for life on two wheels with countless riders and enthusiasts.

“Granddaddy,” as he was affectionately known, found great joy in mentoring and supporting his family—especially when it came to racing. One of his proudest moments was helping his grandson Dell win a championship in cross-country dirt bike racing. Later in life, Jeff’s love of speed and camaraderie led him to join a Corvette club, where he made new friends who shared his interests in autocross racing and attending car shows. His enthusiasm for adventure never faded, and he continued to live life in the fast lane, surrounded by a tight-knit community that appreciated his wit and wisdom.

Jeff was more than just a passionate rider—he was a hands-on, present, and deeply loving father. He never missed a recital, cheer competition, or band performance, always cheering from the front row. Family vacations were often spent on the open road, with Jeff riding his motorcycle and his daughters squeezed side-by-side in the sidecar, grinning from ear to ear. These cherished rides—both on the road and through the dirt—created memories that his family will hold onto forever.

Jeff’s legacy and memories will be carried on by wife, Mary Thornton; daughters Jessica (Larry) Gallegos and Donna French; grandchildren John Dell Geneva II (Megan), Talitha Gallegos, Alexis Gallegos, Jaydyn Gallegos, Ariel Gallegos, Mylah Gallegos, Lauryl French, and Emma French; great-grandchildren JD and Maverick Geneva, and Alaina Torres; sister Debbie (Kenny) Mitchell; niece Christina (Michael) Farrell and son Patrick; half-brother Douglas (Virginia) Thornton and children; and countless other family members and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Providence Baptist Church, 1016 Church Rd, Tool, TX 75143 at 12:00pm.