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Gary Thornton Obituary

ARCOLA -- Gary Craig Thornton, 46, of Chesterville died 8:10 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 16, 2003) in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Coles County.

Services celebrating his life will be 1 p.m. Monday in Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola, with Pastor Matthew McGregor officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Chesterville Cemetery. Memorials: Arcola Sports Booster.

Gary was born Oct. 31, 1956, in Tuscola, the son of Craig and Donna Bright Thornton. He graduated from Arcola High School in 1974. He was employed by Arcola Collegiate Cap and Gown and was a member of Eagles Club of Mattoon. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He married Sharon Riner on May 31, 1986, in Chesterville.

Surviving are his wife; son, Jared Thornton of Tuscola; daughters, Christina Thornton and Heather Walters and husband Jason, all of Mattoon; stepsons, Shawn Durbin and Danny Durbin and wife Niki, all of Mattoon; mother of Tampa, Fla.; brother, Terry Thornton and wife Becca of Chesterville; sister, Angela Thornton of Tampa; five grandchildren; one nephew; three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thornton and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bright.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Oct. 19, 2003.

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3 Entries

Barb & Melissa Haenny

October 23, 2003

Gary was a great guy just like his Dad and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Ed & Deb Holt & family

October 19, 2003

So very sorry about Gary's passing, he will be very missed by all his family, friends & neighbors. God Bless you all.

Millie Saxon

October 19, 2003

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a good friend and great co-worker. He will be sadly missed. I had previously worked with him at Cap & Gown.

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