RB Thornton's Obituary
GROOM
GRAVESIDE SERVICES – 2:00 pm Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Groom Cemetery in Groom with Sam Line, officiating.
INTERMENT- will be in Groom Cemetery in Groom.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
RB Thornton was born November 14, 1914 in Sherman, Texas to Joe G. and Virgie Zella Wood Thornton. He moved to the Lark Community around 1925 where he grew up as a farmer. He attended Lark schools and graduated from Groom High School in 1935. Upon graduation he moved to Howe, TX where he met Lula Lynn Smith. They were married July 17, 1937 in Howe. Their first son, Jerry, was born in 1939. RB worked for the US Engineers as a surveyor on the Texoma Lake for a couple of years before he, Lynn and Jerry moved to Amarillo where he worked as a surveyor on the Amarillo Air Base.
They returned to Howe for a short time in 1941 when their second son, Joe Charles was born in 1941. They eventually moved back to the Lark Community in 1943 where he began farming. Their third son, Jimmy was born in Lark, in 1950. While farming RB bought the Lark Convenience Store in 1959 until 1969.
RB and Lynn moved to Groom in 1969 where he worked at the Groom Hospital for 11 years as the maintenance supervisor, all the while continuing to farm.
RB enjoyed collecting antiques and telling anyone who would listen, a story or two about each antique that had been acquired. He loved to tell stories of the golden days and would easily repeat any story upon request.
RB was an active member of the Church of Christ until his death.
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY – his wife, Lula Lynn Thornton, on August 16, 1983; his son, Joe Charles Thornton; and his sister, Ura Pauline “Polly” Holcomb.
SURVIVORS – 2 sons, Jerry Thornton & wife Nadine, of Groom, and Jimmy Thornton, of Gunter, TX; 8 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.
What’s your fondest memory of RB?
What’s a lesson you learned from RB?
Share a story where RB's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with RB you’ll never forget.
How did RB make you smile?