Robert "Bobby" Alan Thornton

Born on March 4, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, to Billie and Della Thornton, Bobby lived a life of unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unshakeable love. Bobby was a cowboy at heart, with a love for the great outdoors that began when he was just a child. In his youth, he was an accomplished horseman, breaking and training horses, and even working as a jockey.

A proud Vietnam veteran of the United States Navy, Bobby served his country with honor and distinction, earning a lifelong sense of pride and purpose. His commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of his life, from his work to his relationships. Whenever someone thanked Bobby for his service, he would smile and say, "You were worth it." This simple yet powerful phrase spoke volumes about his character and commitment to his country. Bobby was a hardworking man, and he always gave 150 percent. Everything he did was to perfection; he would settle for nothing less!

Bobby's love story with his wife, Denice Green, began on September 5, 1980, in Yukon, Oklahoma, and continued to flourish until his final days. Their wedding day was a rustic charm, with a reception held in a picturesque horseshoe bar. Their bond was truly special, and they delighted in sharing birthdays just a day apart, both being Pisces born in the early days of March. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jodi and Aimee, who brought immense joy to their lives. Bobby's devotion to his family was boundless, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Bobby and Denice often spent lazy afternoons together by the creek, enjoying each other's company and the beauty of nature. In his later years, Bobby's Sundays took on a new tradition. He'd jumped on Denice's band wagon riding shotgun and joined in with her for a day of football, finally succumbing to her infectious enthusiasm for the sport. From then on, Bobby was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, refusing to watch any other team. This new shared passion brought him and Denice even closer together, creating cherished memories for their family and friends.

Bobby was an old soul, with a heart full of wisdom and a spirit that transcended time. He had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and his love for bartering was a testament to his resourceful and entrepreneurial nature. He could often be found swapping stories, sharing laughter, and exchanging goods with friends and neighbors.

A man of diverse passions, Bobby enjoyed classic rock 'n' roll and old country music, often listening to the likes of Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, and John Anderson. His love for westerns was unmatched, and he was a lifelong fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Bobby's hobbies were a testament to his adventurous spirit and love for life. He enjoyed shooting pool, spending time with his horses, and working on his land, which he and Denice referred to as the “Thorndarosa”. Bobby recently acquired a mare and her colt, fulfilling another lifelong dream. He worked on his land and cared for his horses, Sadie and Silas, with unfailing devotion and his service dog Stella by his side.

Most of all, Bobby cherished moments with his family and friends. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday, a time to come together with loved ones and indulge in his wife's extraordinary cooking. Denice's culinary skills were a source of endless delight for Bobby, who would eagerly devour anything she prepared, always declaring it "delicious."

A man of faith, Bobby was a devoted Christian. Later in life, he discovered a new passion in training service dogs for veterans through the Paws for Patriots organization. This work brought him immense joy and fulfillment, as did his volunteer work with veterans in prison. Bobby leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and service.

He is home now with his father, Billie Thornton; mother, Della Mae Hicks; bonus father, Frank Hicks; and brothers, Billie Don Thornton, Jimmy Ray Hicks, and Michael Wayne Thornton.

His legacy will live on through his beloved wife of forty-four years, Denice Thornton; two daughters, Jodi Copes Treat and husband Shawn of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Aimee Hudson Pickett and husband John of Verdigris, Oklahoma; two brothers, Richard Thornton and wife Julie of Shawnee, Kansas, Paul Thornton of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; four grandchildren, Drake Alan Pickett, Caydon Ray Treat, Colton Don Treat, and Jack Roland Pickett; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sharyn and Al Frith of Winnsboro, Louisiana; three very special nephews, David Alan Thornton, Matthew Sorrells, and Michael Wayne Thornton II.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will continue to inspire us. Bobby's unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and his community will never be forgotten. Bobby was "A Lot of Something", and the world lost a real character. Rest in peace, dear Bobby. Your love, legacy, and memory will live on in our hearts forever.

A graveside for Robert will be held Monday, January 27, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, with Military Chaplain Michelle Tucker and Military Chaplain Stephen Leo officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are David Alan Thornton, Drake Alan Pickett, Colton Don Treat, Caydon Ray Treat, Jack Roland Pickett, and David Thornton. Honorary pallbearers include Shawn Treat, Brandon Riggle and Jerry Janzen.