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Herbert Thornton Obituary
63, passed into new life on May 1, 2015.
The longtime musician and educator's life will be celebrated Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 821 S. 4th St, Louisville. Visitation will begin at 3, with service at 5 p.m. (reception following).
Immediate survivors include his mother, Emma Mae Thornton, sister Audrey Beasley, brother Wesley, and George Bess; two nephews and a host of cousins.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Thornton
Brad Fahrney
April 30, 2024
2024 - 2015 = 9, so now it's been 9 years since we lost Herbie. And in the past year, we also lost our mutual friend Ronnie Harris, who passed away in August 2023. The last time I saw Herbie was in 2007 at Ronnie's house in "Millionaire's Row" in Louisville, and I never dreamed it would be the last time I saw either of them. It was Ronnie who phoned me down here in Australia in 2015 with the sad news about Herbie's passing. I'd like to think that Herbie and Ronnie are floating around up there on an angel food cake cloud, reminiscing ...
Brad Fahrney
May 4, 2023
Eight years it's been now! Well, one of my fondest memories of Herbie is the night we went to see the Broadway musical "Two By Two" during our visit to NYC in March 1971. The show starred Danny Kaye and Madeline Khan. It's nice to think that three of my favorite people on the planet, Herbie, Danny and Madeline, were under the same roof as me that night.
Brad Fahrney
May 1, 2022
So now it's been seven years without Herbie. I miss his gentle and occasionally wicked sense of humor. One summer in Bardstown, I found out that they did six performaces a week and had Monday nights off. Trying to show off my mastery of show-biz lingo, I said, "So you're dark Monday night?" He said, "I'm dark every night!"
Brad Fahrney
April 30, 2021
So now Herbie's been gone for SIX years. The five-year anniversary of his passing seems like five minutes ago. I have nothing but good memories of Herbie. From Morehead to NYC (which we visited for a week in March 1971) to Bardstown (where he played Old Black Joe all those years) to Louisville (where I visited him in four different houses that I can remember offhand), he was always fun to be with. One highlight was the night we went to see Richard Rodgers' musical "Two By Two," starring Danny Kaye as Noah and Madeline Kahn in the supporting cast. Herbie, Danny Kaye and Madeline Kahn, three of my favorite human beings under the same roof that night ...
Debbie Huston
April 30, 2020
Time sure does fly. Brother (Herbert Jr) & I grew up together at Beargrass Missionary Baptist Church). We sang in the Junior Choir. Later in years he taught my daughter in school Orchestra classes. Continuous prayers.
Brad Fahrney
April 30, 2020
It's hard to believe that Herbie's been gone for five years. He and I went to see dozens of movies together between 1970 and 2007. I'll never forget his reactions to Mae West in "Myra Breckinridge}, Walter Matthau in "A New Leaf" and Margaret Hamilton in "Brewster McCloud"!
Brad Fahrney
May 1, 2019
I have many fond memories of Herbie. He and I "met cute" -- he lived in the room across the hall from mine in the dorm my first year at Morehead State University -- loud Motown music emanated from that room every day, but then one day it was replaced by Barbra Streisand's "On a Clear Day" soundtrack -- I knocked on the door, Herbie answered and it was the start of a 43-year friendship. He started his long, long run as Old Black Joe in "The Stephen Foster Story" in 1971 -- Tom Ewell (Marilyn Monroe's leading man in "The Seven Year Itch") hired him for a tour of Kentucky state parks in the summer of 1973, but 1974 found him back in Bardstown. A couple decades later he observed that he needed less and less makeup every year to play Old Black Joe. A talented man, a gentle soul -- I think of Herbie every day.
Barbara W. Bishop
April 30, 2019
I miss Herbert and the Thornton family so much. I have such Blessed memories. Love for each of the family members.
Gary Vidito
May 19, 2015
Herbert was my very dear friend and I miss him so much. We had so many happy times and shared so many stories. I met him in 1979 when I first came to the Stephen Foster Story. He was so kind and always thought of others first. I will never forget him.
Michelle Ray Parke
May 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with Herbert's family. So many kind words expressed, oh how you must miss him. Herbert was a high school friend. I will always remember his beautiful voice. He sang at my wedding in 1974! I went back stage after The Stephen Foster Story and he remembered me with that same smile. How wonderful that he remembered me after so many years with such sweet and kind memories. Now he sings in Heaven...I am sure!
Ann Prentice
May 15, 2015
I've just seen the notice of Herbie's service at Calvary and am so saddened. What a beautiful soul with a beautiful voice. A kind, gentle, sweet man whose presence and smile were so warm and peaceful it seemed like "home" just to be near him. We sang together in the Louisville Bach Society and Calvary Church Choir for many years. My heart goes out to that family as well as to his birth family. May he rest in peace.
Chris Morrison
May 15, 2015
I knew Herbert when he was a substitute teacher at YPAS in the 90s and then the Stephen Foster Story after that. He was always a friend, anyone could talk to him. I was always so happy to him. He is forever missed!
May 14, 2015
To The Family: You are in our thoughts & prayers. We remember the good times that we had during our childhood and teen years at Beargrass Missionary Baptist Church. We sang in the Junior choir and he had a beautiful and melodious voice then. Kristina enjoyed having him as a substitute teacher in Middle & High School..I know it's hard now, but time will ease the pain. There is now "Peace In The Valley": for "Brother". We love you and may God be with you.
Debbie, Pam & Kristina Huston, Louisville, KY
May 14, 2015
To The Thornton Family...Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What fond memories we have of Herbert (Brother) and our childhood & teen years at Beargrass Missionary Baptist Church. What a beautiful voice he had. We sang in the choir together & had a wonderful time in the name of the Lord. My daughter always loved having him as a substitute teacher in Middle & High School. There will be Peace In The Valley some day...Prayerfully....
Debbie, Pam & Kristina Huston
Michael Watson
May 12, 2015
Spent most or our formative yeas as neighbors. God bless the family.
G
May 11, 2015
condolences to the family, i graduated with herbert and he was a sweet kind person, always a smile on his face. he had a beautiful voice so enjoyed hearing him sing RIP HERBERT
Connie Hays-Shields
May 11, 2015
Miss Emma, Audrey and Wesley, What a shock it was for me to hear of Herbert's passing. The good times of many, many years ago will always remain in my heart and mind. Surely, that beautiful smile of his and his peaceful personality will be missed by everyone who had the joy of having known him. My prayers are with you all.
Doug Weede
May 11, 2015
I graduated with Herbert from J'town High School. Even though we hadn't seen each other in 45 years, I remember him well. A kind soul with a beautiful voice and a warm smile. Rest in peace my friend.
Lillie May Watson Bradley
May 11, 2015
Herbert and I grew up together under the watchful eye of grandma Alice Trowell. Much symapathy to the Thornton Family
Merleta Weisert
May 10, 2015
I met Herb when we both worked at Crosby Middle School in Louisville. He was such a kind, warm, talented man. Loved going to Stephen Foster Story and hearing him sing his signature role. I saw him a few years ago, and despite his deteriorating health, he was the same uplifting Herb. My sympathy to his family and friends.
May 9, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family. I have fond memories of Brother and may his soul rest in peace.
Jewel
Marilyn S. Taylor
May 9, 2015
Always helpful, never preposessing, distinctive voice, great musician, quietly dignified yet humorous-- I have many memories from U of L and Bardstown, Ky. You'll be missed. Your kind comes along too seldom in this life.
Brad Fahrney
May 9, 2015
I'd like to share an example of Herbie's wonderful sense of humor. I was visiting him for a few days at his home in Louisville. I got up one morning and went out to the kitchen and he said, "Good afternoon." I said, "Hey, it's 9:00 AM, I think that's a perfectly respectable time to get up." He said, "Yeah, if you're Zsa Zsa Gabor."
Sarah Huffman
May 8, 2015
Rest in peace, my dear and oh so kind friend of my youth ....
Michael Pinkerton
May 8, 2015
I have fond memories of Herbie from many days shared at the University of Louisville & Bach Society during the early to mid 70's. Although I haven't seen him in many years, his kindness, wit, and appreciation for all things good and positive are still vivid in my mind. I am touched by the many expressions of sympathy from so many people. He has touched all of our lives. For this we are grateful.
Mary Shearer
May 8, 2015
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of one of the most kind, gentle and beautiful souls I have known in my life. Herbert was a wonderful man, singer, friend, and all around 'mensch' The world needs more like Herbert. He will be truly missed.
Ruth Drye
May 8, 2015
Kentucky has lost a beautiful man who inspired so many. His love, kindness and talent will live on in those who knew him. Prayers for his family.
Jerome Burbridge
May 8, 2015
Rest peacefully old friend.
Scott Ray
May 8, 2015
A lovely and talented human being. So many good years of working with Herbert. And the joy his talent brought to so many people!
John Vessels
May 8, 2015
I shall miss Herbert Thornton terribly. I met him in 1990 at the Stephen Foster Story where we sang together till 2000. I have been blessed to call him friend and colleague ever since. I was fortunate enough to sing with Herbert in both The Louisville Bach Society and at Calvary Episcopal Church. I'm not sure I've ever known a more humble and kind person. He'll be missed by a great many of us.
Ellen Beckemeyer
May 8, 2015
You were my choir teacher at Central HS, but more than that you were my friend. You gave me confidence, music, a kind ear and changed my life for the better. RIP my friend. Love, Ellen
Daniel Burton
May 7, 2015
I was able meet Mr. Thornton as the choir director 1983-84 when I was a senior at Central High School, Louisville, KY. He was one of the inspirations for me to return to college to get my Bachelor's degree in Music Ed.
Karen Colyer
May 7, 2015
I first met Herbert in junior high school (Eastern) in the chorus class taught by Mrs. Raines. A group of us formed an ensemble group which met at her home to practice and we performed at various places in the Louisville area. Unfortunately, when the new Jeffersontown High School opened it separated us and the ensemble group didn't last much longer after that. I was also in the Louisville Youth Choir with him briefly. Herbert had an amazing voice and he was such a kind and caring person. I remember going to the Stephen Foster Story twice over the years just because he was in it. Even though it's been years since I last saw him, I have fond memories and he will be missed.
Cathy Justice/Embry
May 6, 2015
I knew Herbert from school. He was always kind to everyone; with a smile on his face. A very talented person. I had the opportunity to see him perform in Bardstown. He
will be missed by so many. RIP my friend. Prayers for your family.
May 6, 2015
We have lost a good and kind man who shared the gift of a beautiful voice.
Laurel Horton (Ray's sister)
Gregory&Selenah Brown
May 6, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Barbara Bishop
May 6, 2015
Herbert and I shared many interesting phone conversations. I will miss that so much. Love and prayers to Emma, Audrey, Wesley and all of the family. May God Bless ! Love you,
Karen Kuhn
May 6, 2015
I graduated with Herbert in the 1970 class. He certainly was a gentleman to many. He is already missed. One of our angels in Heaven
Brad Fahrney
May 6, 2015
Herbie was one of my very best friends for almost 45 years. He and I met when we were freshmen at Morehead State University. His room was right across the hall from mine. His roommate played Motown records constantly, but one day I was amazed to hear the sound of Barbra Streisand coming from that room. I knocked on the door, he answered it, and a lifelong friendship was born. Herbie and I were like kindred spirits. He was such a sweet soul, not a mean bone in his body. Talking to him on the phone the past couple years, I was struck by the horrific things that were happening to his health and by his resolutely upbeat outlook. Rest in peace, my friend.
Bill Medley
May 5, 2015
I was grateful for having known Herbert through work at the Stephen Foster Story more than 35 years ago. I will remember his large smile.
Sandra Cherry
May 5, 2015
I am so glad I got to see you and talk about your wishes and bucket list the day before you passed on to a new life. What a sweet, humble, soul you were to many. May you rest in peace with all the company of heaven.
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