Larry Edward Thornton

Larry E. Thornton, 70, of Winnebago, IL, passed away peacefully, Monday evening, May 4, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and Serenity Hospice nurse, C.J. He was born December 23, 1955 in Rockford, IL, the son of Edward and Janice (DeBaere) Thornton. After high school, Larry joined the United States Marine Corps from 1973 until 1979. He married his sweetheart, Sue Renfro, on September 29, 1979. In 1983, he joined the United States Air Force. In 1987, Larry then joined the United States Army Guard. He worked at Woodward until he retired in February 2022. Larry was a member of the Pecatonica American Legion. He enjoyed reading Stephen King novels. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Larry loved watching wildlife. In his younger years, he liked fishing, traveling and riding his motorcycle. Most of all, he adored his family. He will truly be missed.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sue Thornton; daughters, Sarah (Charles) Ohman and Megan Thornton; grandchildren, Joseph (Nicole) Ohman, Breanna Villarruel, Miguel "MJ" Villarruel, Payton Villarruel, Aiden Thornton, Sunshine Smith, Jace Smith and Ethan (Cara) Ohman; great-grandchildren, Alayah, E.J., Damian and Harper; brother, Jerry Thornton and Tommy Thornton; brother-in-law, Donnie (Laura) Renfro; special nieces and nephews, Brittany (John) Renfro-Williams, Joshua Renfro, Shelly (Nestor) Apreda, Shane (Sara) Woolbright; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Billy Thornton.

A special thank you to Serenity Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Larry and his family during this time, especially C.J., Tracie and all the staff.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102 with a funeral service to begin at 1:00 p.m. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL. Luncheon to follow the burial at the American Legion, Pecatonica, IL.