OBITUARY
Tracy Lee Thornton
October 14, 1968 – December 31, 2020
Tracy L. Thornton, born October 14th, 1968, was called to the heavens on December 31st , 2020. Although it feels too soon to say goodbye, Tracy will be remembered fondly for being one of the most genuine, caring and reliable men to have graced the earth. Living up to the standards of “give a stranger the shirt off of his back” type of person, Tracy’s passion for helping others was only matched by the love he held for his wife, kids, family, and friends. He was a renaissance man in that he was a master of the outdoors including fishing, hunting, mounted shooting and camping; but Tracy was also a devoted husband, father, friend, brother and son that was enthusiastic to offer love and affection to his loved ones. A practical joker and culinary expert, Tracy was known for his hilarious antics and jokes, and serving up his famous wings and barbecue. He is survived by his wife Cristina, their kids David, Raven and Lance, Best Friend David Schroder, Mother Vicki Thornton, Stepdad Ruben Gonzales, Brother Jeff Thornton, Sister Beverly Loomis, and Grandmother Ruby Thornton, and their pets Lucky, Ty and Roxy. This world will not be the same without such a selfless and wonderful man, but he is still watching over us ready to help…as he fills up the heavens with laughs and his made with love sweet tea.
Services
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Celebration of Life
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Memories
Tracy Lee Thornton
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYNaomi Brillhart
January 22, 2021
Tracy you are missed so much. You were such a good man. Always making everybody laugh and would help wherever needed. We miss you buddy.
Leonard Bruner
January 19, 2021
Thornton, I'm just so lost for words. I was just notified today of your passing. We just talked during XMAS. You were my to go guy at Perryville, we were a great team.
I'm just lost for words....confused!
Rest Easy my friend, until we met again.
Jeffrey Thornton
January 14, 2021
Uncle Tracy you were my bestfriend I always enjoyed seeing you and hanging out with you, you taught me how to shoot and how to ride a horse. You've given me a lot of advice in my life and this world really won't be the same without you anymore. I love you so much and I will always think of you! Say hi to grandpa for me and save me a seat next to you so when its my time I will be sitting next to you drinking sweet tea and laughing together
Love always your nephew
Jeffrey
Geneva Manigault
January 14, 2021
I am deeply sorry for your list. Officer Thornton was a great man, awesome boss, funny, respectful, and a mentor to me. He always treated me like a human being and not an inmate. He taught me so much while working with him. He never let me give up on myself, always encouraged me to do what I'm capable of. Officer Thornton will never be forgotten by many of us. Once again my heart goes out to his family.
Dana Skulemowski
January 8, 2021
I met Tracy when I was just a kid starting out in the department. We did not always work on the same yard but our path did cross again when I got to work with him at Lumley. He was never afraid to tell someone what he thought. He was always laughing and joking around but he took pride in everything he did. I am going to miss him and all the joy that he brought to everyone around him on a daily basis.
Brian Shrum
January 8, 2021
I remember many conversations with Tracy while working at San Pedro unit at Perryville. He truly was a good person that would do his best to make sure that issues were addressed. Him always taking the time to follow up as well, truly showed his character as a man. I was saddened to get the notification, and to his family, he leaves behind a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Jeffrey Thornton
January 7, 2021
This is hard for me . Tracy you left me to soon we needed to go fishing and hang out I was coming this summer to see you so we could have our brother time well now you are up with grandpa watching us . I just wish I had more time with you you where my best friend and I miss our talks . I talked to you 2 days before this happened I will always cherish our time together I really do love and miss you . Until I make to heaven to see you again just remember you was truly loved by your family. Tell grandpa hi for me I love you my brother love your little brother
Eddie Martinez
January 7, 2021
I remember working with Thornton when he was an officer. I would always say, “who is this crazy guy running around?” He was always a busy bee so I wasn’t surprised when he went to maintenance. I didn’t get to know him good till recently when him and I talked about trading parts for our trucks. I always heard of him doing things for co-workers on his own time. Like putting up Christmas lights to changing a flat tire for a random person. He was the definition of a Good Samaritan. The world truly lost a kind and gentle soul. Until we meet again buddy.
Laura Gomez
January 7, 2021
My prayers are with you and your family. Tracy didn’t have to know you very well to make you feel like you were part of his family. May God watch over Cris and her kids as they get through this trying time. May God bless you.
makayla thornton
January 7, 2021
Uncle Tracy,
My favorite memory with you will always be how you and grandpa Ruben taught me how to ride a horse. Another memory I will forever cherish is when you, Christina and the kids came to Oklahoma and you went to dinner with me and dad. I hadn't laughed that hard until that day. That was the day I knew I had a bestfriend that loved me. And that bestfriend was you Uncle Tracy..Never in a million years did I think I would be saying goodbye to you so soon.. It doesn't feel real. It feels like a dream honestly. I never got to tell you how much I loved you. I wish I would've said it more often. It kills me having to say goodbye to you. I know you'll be up there with the big dogs watching me and riding up there. I will forever be thankful for you. You were and always will be the best uncle I've ever had. I'll forever miss you Uncle Tracy. I don't know what I would've done if I never knew you. I can't express how badly I will miss you. Until I see you again. 💔😭
Brad Dametz
January 6, 2021
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing Tracy! Although it has been some time since I last saw you I know of the kind and caring man you have become. RIP My friend. My thought's and prayer's for your family. All my love your Uncle Brad
John & Sally Garcia
January 6, 2021
Our deepest condolences to all the Thornton family may God be with you all
Shelby Thornton
January 6, 2021
Uncle Tracy thank you for being the best uncle possible. And being so kind, caring and very loving. Thank you for all the laughs and smiles! Thank you for all the horse back riding and showing me your pigs and other animals. You’re forever going to be my favorite uncle and very best friend. I’m so sad you’re gone. And Ill forever deeply love and miss you! Rest easy uncle Tracy and have the best time up there with great grandma and papa! I love you! Rest easy 😔
Amy Pomeroy-Huff
January 6, 2021
I am saddened at the passing of my friend, and even more so because I had allowed time and distance to slip between Tracy and myself. Tracy was an amazing individual who never did anything without giving it his everything, never one to shy away from a challenge. He was the sweetest, kindest friend.
I will always remember him hopped up on his junk food running around getting stuff done to keep us up and running. I remember his smile. He was quick with it and shared it often. May your soul rest peacefully my friend. Forever your buddy - me.
Magdalena Medrano
January 6, 2021
Thornton seem to follow me on the units at Perryville , he seemed to always be my maintenance man for the unit kitchen. Thornton and I would always go round and round about the stuff breaking in the kitchen. Thornton would make me laughn he would vent up and down about the inmates not being supervised and distroying the equipment, but in the same breath he would turn around and apologize, I told him Thornton can't you just not say sorry, you just vented but to apologize like a little puppy with his tail between leg. Thornton always wanted to come across as being stern but he was the nices guy. Thorton would tell me about his vacation and him going hunting and about his wonderful family that he loved and adored. My heart goes out to his family and prayers that God fill your mind of all the Good and Loving memories you shared with him. I will truely miss Thornton and his life stories that he would share with me and all others who would stop and listen.
Barbara Ziolkowski
January 5, 2021
I remember when I worked in the mail room one day powder spilled all over me from a letter of course I had to go to the hospital decontaminate and who follows me in the van Tracy. I had seen him around and talked to him a couple of times but we got to know each other that day I told him that I didn't want him to have to spend much time at the hospital and that he could call and get relieved or leave but he said he didn't care how long it took he was going to stay with me and keep me company. He's one of the nicest guys I ever knew and worked with. We'll all miss him
Karen Avery
January 5, 2021
My deepest sympathy to his family... Tracy was always there if you needed something. He was always helping others. While he was staying at my house watching my fur babies Gretchen my little dog is my dog for sure ,when I came home one of the times I walked in my house and sat down and she didn’t move.. she was sitting with Tracy and wouldn’t even come to me.. it cracked me up.. he was a special person.. I will miss you
Kimberly Currier
January 5, 2021
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Tracy's tragic passing. He worked for me at Perryville when I was the Warden there. He was always responsive to any request I made, but also willing to give me his opinion (lol), which I respected. He always followed up with me to let me know what was going on and I absolutely enjoyed working with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Tracy, you will be terribly missed!