Donald Ray Thornton

Donald Ray Thornton, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home on April 5, 2024.
Don was born on July 2,1950, in Palestine TX to Brown and Annie Lou (Hill) Thornton. He was the eighth of ten children.

In 1969, Don joined the Army. After completing basic training and AIT, he was sent to Vietnam. Returning to the States, he received additional training before his assignment to Germany. When Don returned to the States, he met and married Marcia. Together they raised two boys. Don willingly sacrificed his career to follow Marcia's career around the country.

After her retirement, Don and Marcia settled in Magdalena NM where they became active in their church and local community. He loved the peace of his home, often sitting on the balcony and soaking in the peace and beauty of the desert.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Brown and Annie Lou Thornton, his oldest brother John Brown Thornton, and his youngest brother Thomas Dewayne Thornton. He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years Marcia Ann (McNutt) Thornton, two sons Donald Ray Thornton, Jr. and Ronald Dewayne Thornton, and two grandchildren Christina Jane Thornton and James Ethan Thornton all of the family home in Magdalena. In addition he is survived by his five sisters Dorothy Lee, Annie Blanche, Leona Jean, Mary Ann, and Kathy Ann and two brothers James Harold and Truman plus many nieces and nephews, all in Texas.

Services for Don will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Magdalena Community Church at 10:00 am. Don will be laid to rest at the Magdalena Community Cemetery immediately following.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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