To my dearest brother in law.... so many holes left in so many hearts where you a remarkable man once filled.... but at the same time you are in our hearts forever. To this day I still see how much your presence is missed. Not hardly a day goes by that a thought a memory something that makes Sam and I smile. Everyday we walk on the tile floor in our home you come to mind the sign that hangs over our gate that you so  graciously agreed to have made for me for your brother as my Christmas gift to him but little did we know it was going to always be a gift from you as well and my sweet Dan I gladly share that with you. You were always willing to help with that Dan smile on your face. I miss not getting to call you about saws,welders,ac's, the things you always helped me out with for the good gifts I could give your brother. Anyway to you Dan Thornton an amazing man,son,husband,father,grandpa,brother in law,friend,and oh so many other things that you were to others I thank you for the gift of your love brother in law we always joked about not liking each other your mom used to think we were crazy but it was our little way of letting each other know how much we ment to one another. There are so many things I will remember and just as many I won't forget for this I will always be great full.
I will love you always my dear brother in law until we meet up younger ..... love from your sis in law Donna Thornton

My daddy was a great man. Growing up I remember learning so much from him, I was always in his shop with him or in the yard helping him with whatever project he was working on. I was his Little Stinker or his Little Helper. It didn't matter how young or inexperienced I may have been, if I wanted to help he was there to teach me how. He was sure to give me all of his knowledge and experience so I could do anything I wanted to for myself. From using tools, to fishing, to helping a friend in need, I learned how to be resilient, how to set my goals and taking steps to make sure they happened. He taught me to never give up on myself by never giving up on me. He was never one to just point his finger and tell you that you were doing it wrong or how you messed up, he was the one there to help you make it right when you did mess up. He and my mom always supported me and the ten thousand things I wanted to do. They came to all my games, school functions, taking me everywhere, or giving me the tools I needed to "get-r-done". If there was one thing I could say my dad loved most it would be my mom first, and his family; and if he knew your name you were family. He never let anyone feel left out or excluded. He was always the one to reach out and make amends or help you make it right. My dad was never really religious, but he knew he wanted us to know Jesus, because even though he didn't have that personal relationship with Christ, he wanted that for his kids and he knew how good God is. I'm blessed and thankful that God is so full of grace and that my daddy called out to God and asked Jesus to come into his heart and make him whole, and now He is living more free than any of us will know until we too meet our Savior face-to-face. I bet that after meeting Jesus if there was one thing he could change about his life here on earth it would've been that he would've chosen to have that committed personal relationship with Christ sooner. Galations 5:13-14 says; "13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." When I saw these representations of selflessness and love in my Dad, I saw Christ. And now as my daddy awaits to reunite with his loved ones, he waits with our Heavenly Father in paradise. As John 5:24-29 reads; "24 Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.28 Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice. 29 and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life...." Praise God my daddy lives!! My prayer for you all is that you may live free while you still have time on earth, live free through Jesus Christ who has called you and live according to His will, and when your final day on earth has come, you shall not be condemned, but have everlasting life; for Jesus came not to condemn, but to SAVE!! I love you Daddy! I will see you again, this I know for Christ has promised me this! Praise God!

From the first time I met Dan 36 years ago right up to the day he died he was always there for me. I can not count the number of times he rescued me. If he was needed he dropped everything and came running. He never judged me or my situation he was just there. I'll miss his friendly joking and his sound advice. Still can't believe he is gone. He will carry on in the hearts and lives of every single person that came into contact with him. He created a huge legacy that will live on. Gonna miss you Dan.

Danny always had a smile on his face! He had such a light in his beautiful blue eyes! He was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends and was always there for you. He always made me smile and feel so good anytime I saw him. Shine your light bright good friend!!!

As far back as I can remember he  always wanted me around, never made me feel like I was a pain in the butt little sister, he took me everywhere with him.I don't think he ever told me no.The first  I ever drove was his Blue ford truck I was Probbly 10 years old he told me to get in and knock down all the corn growing InMary Seiglerr field he had faith in me even though I was scared to death.
He always made me feel special. I love you brother forever and always..Love your little sis.

To my Students.
Twenty-four years ago I was beginning my teaching career at Battle Creek Academy in Michigan. We were living on campus and my wife and I hosted a Friday evening vespers in our home for students. There was a faithful group of six to eight students that worshiped with us week after week. We would have a meal, to which the students contributed, before we worshiped. Many nights tears were shed as trust grew and we all learned to be open and real. We shared our struggles, fears, hopes and dreams. At the academy across the street I began a daily prayer time in the science department which helped all of us to stay focused and allowed us bring up things and present them to the only One that can really heal and make all things new. One day, one of the students came to me and said that there was a group of students in the science department that really felt a need for prayer. I dropped what I was doing and walked down to the room. When I entered, the students were all sitting around in an imaginative circle with an open seat in the middle, the seat that the one seeking prayer usually sat in. I walked in and asked, What's up? There was a little awkward silence and then one of them spoke up and asked me to sit in the empty chair in the circle. They told me that I had been grumpy and that it looked like I needed prayer. My heart was convicted and I was humbled. They gathered close and they all reach out and laid their hands on me and began to pray prayers of petition, grace, and forgiveness. I shed many tears that my students would care enough to reach across the divide to pull be over and treat me like a human being. I was humbled that they loved me enough, to dare enough, trusted enough, to call out my sin, not condemn me or shame me, but call out my sin and then pray for me. They affirmed my humanity and reached out and touched me. 
..
Today my brother was battling for his life in an ICU in Dallas, a bone marrow transplant gone bad. I had just returned from visiting him when he took a decided turn for the worst. His kidneys had shut down and now he had refused intubation. It was just a matter of time. I was sharing with my students that I would probably be gone at the end of the week to bury my brother. I shared with them his struggle and what his family was going through. The room was silent and a few stared back with eyes of understanding. I had a prayer for my brother and his family, committing them all into His care.
Class continued and we talked about succession and the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, topics of which I am sure can act as a potently as a sleeping aid. As I was handing out the daily quiz at the end of class I spied a note that was being passed around in class. It didn't appear to be suspicious in nature. As the students turned in their quizzes they uncharacteristically hung around and then one of them asked those who were interested to stay by so that they could have a season of prayer for me and my family. As they maneuvered into an imaginative circle my phone buzzed and I check message that announced the impending reality. I looked up and softly said, My brother is dead. They all moved in unnaturally close and then began reaching out and laying their hands on me. Droplets of grief began tracing my worn cheeks as one male college student after another, man after man, reached out through prayer to draw my heart close to theirs. They pulled me in close. Then a soft yet strong of a sparrow reached up to God one more time as she closed their expression of care and love. One by one they hugged me, some long and hard, others were tender and brief. Some held on an awkwardly long time until the awkwardness melted into oneness and compassion. They embraced me. They touched me. They treated me as a human being. They confirmed my humanity. They gave me what I needed most, human touch from people who didn't have to care, but they chose to. They chose to care. They chose to reach out. They dared to reach out across the divide and pull me into their circle of care. They chose to reach across the imaginary divide and unite with my loss and pain. They affirmed my humanity and touched me.
I have the privilege of serving at Southern Adventist University where students and professors can be real, real and human. Where the divide that can separate students and professors can be broken down and we can experience each other's pain, hurt, grief, loneliness, sorrow, longing and take it all to the only One who can make all things new.
Thank you to my students for allowing me to be simply broken and human and still respecting and loving me. Thank you for trusting enough the reach across the imaginary divide.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Just needed to say I will miss you my dear sweet brother in law ...
Dan Thornton
your were the best one I could have ask for I have been blessed with the extra family I gained when I married Sam  I love all of you and thank you to my family that were able to come and show your support and for the flowers from those of you that could not make  it thank you Mr Roe for the gift of your friendship and love! I just want to thank everyone for the great BLESSING  of a family to love .... R.I.P Dan until we meet up yonder ❤

Dan was my mentor, my friend. He was always there to lend a hand or a piece of advice. I will always remember him. Go in peace my friend

Debbie and family, 
We are blessed having spent time with you all while we were in Texas, it was great meeting Dan's family, Aunt Barbara sends her condolances. Prayers for you all at this most difficult time, praying for Gods peace. Love Cousin Roxanne & Dennis Gervais

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  May your happy times help you thru the dark days.  Always remember he is with you and in a better place.

We are thinking and praying for peace and understanding. It seems like you guys have always been part of the family. We always enjoyed our times we spent together. Dan was just one of those guys people gravitated to. Just something about him, you just wanted to be around him. We are so sorry for your loss Debbie and family.

Dan, I going to miss you so much, and I'm remembering all we did together as your siblings and mine would get together. You family has gone threw so much and they loved you from the bottom of their soul, you and my Russell were pretty close when you were young, we will treasure those memories forever.  I miss you and so will my sister Claudette.
 Our prayers for your family will always be there for them

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.   Knew Danny best as a kid that grew into a good man.  Love & hugs!!

We are so sorry your family has suffered such a great loss. We have fun memories of playing softball with Dan and Debbie and will miss his smiling face at gatherings with family and friends. With love and sympathy.

We've known Dan for many years.   He was an integral part of our business and he will be missed.   It was an honor and privilege to conduct business with him.  He was always true gentleman.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time with our deepest sympathy.

General Insulation-Dallas/Fort Worth

Dan will live on in the hearts of all of us that had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.  He truly was one of a kind and generous to a fault.  He saw the good in everyone, even at our worst, and believed that we could all be a better people.  He never judged.  Dan was an honest, hard working man who lived for his family.  He could make or fix anything and helped countless friends and relatives when they were in need.  He was also a great cook who could smoke a brisket and ribs like no bodies business!  We love you Dan and we will see you again one day.

   I just wanted to give my sincere condolences upon the passing of Dan Thornton.  Words can't express how saddened I was to hear the loss.  It was a great pleasure working with him these past few years, Dan and I had been working very closely with each other on all his projects through Trane- at least once a week if not more we had conversations weekly.  I can honestly say Dan would always put a smile on my face when we would talk on the phone or in person. We all know that BIG personality Dan had.  What a huge loss this is for many including myself and I will miss him tremendously.  I will never forget his kindness and I will truly miss hearing that big laugh of his.


Please accept my sincere condolences and may our prayers help comfort you and anyone affected by this loss.  May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.

As long as I can remember you've been a part of my life. It's so hard to imagine going to that house and you not being kicked back in that recliner! I have a million memories I could write down.....camping at Lake Tawakani & nearly falling off the cliff into the lake, playing in the most awesome treehouse you built with Redbud running around trying to figure out how to get up to us, saving me from my brother when he was fighting mad lol, & then as an adult just sitting & talking about our days or what's been going on in our lives. I'm blessed to be a part of your family & I'm grateful for the fun times we've shared. I'll miss my crazy yankee uncle but I know I'll see you again & what a joyous day that will be. We will be praying for strength & understanding as the days pass...Christina, Jonathan (the old man as Danny called him), & Piggy(aka little Alyssa)

Mr Dan ..."the steak men"and never liked chicken...., .always humble, honest, respectfull, responsable, creative trustful...consecrated to his family and his job ...nothing but great things to say about you....great person , the men with exceptional set of human values..... centainly; one if a kind, .. The man who looked straigh to your eyes and and shoot you trhu with  his thoughts...always open to help people in needs...... The men who  always looked from above.... out of the box and not afraid to explore new territories and find new solutions....the men who stamp his signature of perfection on everything he did definitely he left a mark........ always strong, against any difficulty  ... The guy who never quit .... And fought hard untill the end......You leave too big of a shoes to fill .. You always be missed BROTHER......

I can still hear Dan in a low scruffy voice answering his phone in his Cubicle "THIS IS DAN" We all on occasion tried to imitate but no one is able to duplicate (Y'all know what I am Talking about)..  Dan was my go to guy at work , he was always willing to help.

 A complete stranger was not a stranger to Dan, he was personable and very outgoing, he was "DAN The MAN"

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!

I have known Danny for years since I was a little girl he has always been very kind always had a smile on his face. He will be missed to Debbie, Daniel, Doug and Amber and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you trust in God he is the only one who can get you through this. All my love Susan Linebaugh Betts and Family......

I remember being a little afraid of this hairy creature the first time I met him, but quickly loving his great laugh, wit and giving ways.  He has been a blessing to our whole family, always leading the way when something needed to be done.  He was a mentor to my boys, Cade quickly became his little prodigy and loved helping him with his projects.  Will cherish our memories of vacationing together in Florida with Carl.  Loved that when he had a vision, he would make it happen...like the swing we came home to one weekend, the zip line he help Kim with, and our front gate just to name a few.  There was nothing that man couldn't make.  He was usually at the center of our family gathering smoking a feast for us all.  I loving called him second husband and Kim calling him my sancho, taking care of my honey dos when Kim worked out of town.  Thanking you Dan for finding my sister and enriching our lives.  See you again some day!

I only knew him for three  short years but I knew he was well respected and loved by all his family. He will be missed.Love to Deb and all the family. "......go rest high on that mountain......"

I remember when we were on our way home from going out to eat and we were on the way home and a song came on I had no idea what it was but I was laughing so hard and you just looked at me, turned down the radio and began to tell me about the meaning of the song and the person singing it. You thought me there's more then you think I love you so much papa you were a great man and I love you and can't wait till the day I get to see you again! but until that day I will keep you in my heart love you papa.

Great man and mentor! He wants told me back in 2002. Don if you could become as humble as you are cocky. You will be a great person and make an impact in our industry someday!  I hated him for making those comments to me. But one year later became a service manager of a major service company in the Dallas Fort Worth area!  I respect the man that he was! and no he is beside God and  Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!  I'm sorry for the families loss.  May God bless you and comfort you in your time of need.

Dad you were the best man I know and if I can ever be half the man you were I'll be doing pretty good I just hope I made you proud and don't worry I'll take care of mom ILOVE YOU and will miss you always will see you agian one day so you better be readdy to fire up the smoker and have 12pack iced down we will have a lot of catching up to do

Iam so sorry Deb got you and your family loss Dan was a great man  again so sorry love Tamra smith

You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I am happy for the opportunity that I had to get to know him when Danielle and I became friends in high school. Y'all have been like family to my family and me.

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.  I know your loss and the only way I can go thru each day is to remember all we had and all we will have again when we are reunited thru Jesus.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus and know He is with you.

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.  Turn your face upon Jesus He is who helps me each and everyday.  I know first hand how much you will miss Danny but know he is in a better place,  with love and thoughts to all.  Dan's cousin Susan.

Dan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  He was the type of guy who was always in your corner with his sharp sense of humor, honest advise and a humble but giving heart.   Always there when you needed him, I'll miss his smile.  
Hugs and much love to Debra and the entire family, 
Ronwyn

I can only picture Dan at Heavens Gates yelling HEY!!! OPEN UP. And then proceeding to explain how they had built them wrong and how they should fix them. You will be highly missed around here and the office will never be the same. Thanks for all the advice over the many years

Dan was a one of a kind and will be sorely missed.He will leave a void than cannot be filled.I am blessed to have known him. May the Lord bless your future.

"Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal" Rest in peace with our Heavenly Father, Dan, and know that you and your family are loved by so many and may that bring comfort to all.

OBITUARY

Daniel Grant Thornton

April 8, 1961 – September 19, 2016

Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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