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Edward Thornton Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Edward Thornton
Richard Myrick
March 5, 2022
Edward and Betty took me on as an informal "adopted child" when I moved to Louisville in 1994 and were kind to me beyond words. Unfortunately, I moved from Louisville in 2001 and soon "life" had its way and grave difficulties followed which consumed me and I lost touch...
Just today, I had a moment to think back and googled Edward (and also Betty)--the internet is an amazing thing, isn't it?
Thank you, Katherine, for posting his picture. I do not think I have any photos of him so this made me feel great happiness seeing it.
I love you Edward. Your kindness to me made a permanent impression and I am a better person because of you. I wish I could have a few more hours to talk because so much has happened and I would do anything to be able to share with you--you were always so kind to listen to me.
With Peace.
Bart Grooms
October 6, 2008
I cannot do justice to what Edward meant to me in a few words. He was a mentor, a professor, a surrogate father, a friend, and someone who gently brought out the best in me. My life and those of my counselees have been enriched by his patience and his expansive view of ministry and the spiritual life.
Thank you, Edward.
Betty, Katherine, and Brent, you are my beloved ones.
Sheila and David Cecil
October 1, 2008
Wow Katherine! Now I know why you are such a wonderful person. I wish I could have met your father. He sounds like a treasure of a person! (((HUGS))) to you and Brent. May God give you peace. Love and Light,
Jeanne Apple Bedwell
September 30, 2008
Dear Betty and Katherine,
Knowing Edward was one of the great joys of my life. Edward became a friend and spiritual mentor when I attended one of his meditation retreats. Afterwards, for several years I was a member of the meditation group that met in his office. Through his students, who were, and still are, my pastoral counselors, and through becoming one of his "meditators," Edward profoundly affected and changed my life. I still use the meditation and prayer methods he taught and I am forever grateful for the vistas and new worlds he opened for me. What I remember most profoundly is that he was a gentle, kind, and gracious man and teacher. His spiritual lessons are a great blessing for all of his students and friends.
Melissa Bootes Fuerst
September 28, 2008
such joy must be on God's face when Mr. Thornton joined Him in Heaven! i have loved you both since i was little and when mom (Mary Ann Bootes) told me of his death I knew i must reconnect. You sent me letters once a month in college which cheered up my boring days. You always had a hug for me as i grew to become an adult. Thank you both for your hugs and happy thoughts.
Greg` Robertson
September 28, 2008
We met this wonderful man, and his lovely wife, in 1988. They graciously invited us to be apart of a wonderful congregation of folks, that became family to us. We will forever hold such fond memories of our visits, and lunches! Greg & Brian
Anita Roper
September 28, 2008
Comfort and peace to you all in this time of grief, yet celebration of life.
Albert Meiburg
September 26, 2008
Dear Betty and Katherine:
We were so sorry to learn of Edward's death. We have fond
memories of our times together at Crozer and Rochester.
He was a creative teacher and colleague. We miss the
opportunities to talk and share. Bless you!
Albert and Virginia Meiburg
Mary Zimmer
September 25, 2008
Dear Betty and Katherine,
I only had one class with Ed, but it was an important one--his class on Spirituality and the Ministry. I still have the notebook and use the Tapestry model. We went to Loretto on retreat and were challenged to go beyond our growth edges. Ed was an inspiration to many people; that is his legacy which will live on.
Grace and peace,
Mary Zimmer
Marilyn Mueller
September 24, 2008
Dearest Betty, Katherine and Brent,
The day of Ed's death we had each, separately, been thinking about him. He has been a shining example of how to live. You all are special to us and are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Marilyn and David Mueller
Paul D. Simmons
September 24, 2008
Ed Thornton was an admirable colleague and trusted friend. His quiet manner belied his strong commitments and profound insights. When he joined the faculty, new energy and hope permeated the faculty. His addition promised innovative approaches to pastoral care and solid faculty leadership. He succeeded in all areas beyond our best expectations.
Our prayers and best wishes, Betty, and our fond regards for you and Edward.
Renee Davis
September 23, 2008
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
Renee Davis
September 23, 2008
Our prayers are with you Mrs. Thornton From the Daybreak Family
William Rogers
September 23, 2008
With fond memories,
Bill Rogers
Fr. Dave Harris
September 22, 2008
Edward,
Your journey with God is what brought joy and challenge to your life. The realness and nearness of God placed in you an insatiable desire to know God through the common everyday lived experiences of life. Even in your last days on earth you were searching for God amidst all the confusion.
Having taken the next step in your journey, I can't imagine the joy that must be in your soul right now. Thanks so much for allowing me to journey with you. In many ways you are closer now than ever before. I can see that expression of childlike wonder on your face and hear the calm in your voice. I only hope that I can pass on to others what you so generously gave to me.
Enjoy the journey my dear brother as it continues on. I know you're happy and content. When I arrive someday I look forward to walking with you and hearing all the wonderful things you've learned and experienced from being in God's presence.
Your grateful brother in Christ,
Father Dave
Wayne Ward
September 22, 2008
First as a student, and later as a beloved faculty colleague, Edward made a unique impact on my life. His quiet, meditative approach to all the challenges in daily living helped me to "settle down" from my hyper-uptight personality trait. It was such a joy to share a seminar, or even a committee assignment with Edward. His ministry to both Mary Ann and me in her long illness and dementia helped to carry us through.
Jim Nogalski
September 22, 2008
I am one of those students upon whom Ed Thornton made a profound impact. He was my teacher in the early 80's and briefly my colleague in the early 90's. I remember fondly his use of contemplative techniques in his classes. Those techniques he taught have come in handy more times than I care to think about through the years. I often think of his gentle spirit, his keen intellect, and his sense of awe. To me, he was a model in many ways.
Charles & Pamela Scalise
September 22, 2008
During our years as young faculty members at Southern Seminary, Ed was a caring colleague and wise friend. He modeled in relationships the grace-filled pastoral care which he taught.
We are remembering Betty, Katherine, and other family members especially in our thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth (Price) Rybka
September 22, 2008
one of the sweetest men to enhance my life and my family's . . . we will miss him, but keep you and his memory in our hearts.
My favorite picture of my dad - taken by David Harris
Katherine Thornton Williams
September 21, 2008
Pictures of Edward
from family files
Vance & Liz Davis
September 21, 2008
Edward had an impact on my life when I began pursuit of the Ph.D. under his supervision in 1984. I had read his book on psychology of religion, but was unprepared for the change in his world view which would so strongly influence mine. He introduced me to transpersonal psychology and to the notion that a pastoral person was a spiritual guide who used the behavioral sciences to understand the spiritual dilemma of those who came for help. He facilitated me in listening to the underlying spiritual issues of persons with mental health issues. He insisted that I experience spiritual direction, and as a result I have had a spiritual guide these 25 years since. There are a few hundred CPE students who are also recipients of Edward's influence, since I made it a point to pass on to them the legacy Edward imparted to me. His gentle spirit and sharp insight will be missed among those who practice and study pastoral care.
Betty and Katherine, my prayers and condolences are with you, and with all of us who loved Edward.
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