Phillip Thorne

1933 - 2016

Colonel (Ret.) Phillip Delworth Thorne
1933-2016
Col. (Ret.) Phillip Delworth Thorne, 83, of Kingwood, Texas, returned to his heavenly home on November 30, 2016. Col. Thorne began his life's journey in Bastrop County, Cedar Creek, Texas, on March 13, 1933. The son of Albert Thomas and Zelma Sampson, he learned the value of hard work, the significance of discipline and the importance of respect in his early years.
He graduated as valedictorian form Emile High School in Bastrop, Texas, and went on to study at Prairie View A&M University on a Jesse Jones Agricultural Scholarship. Upon completion of the Reserve Officers Training Corps curriculum and the educational course of study at Prairie View A&M University in 1955, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He also received a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State College. Col. Thorne met the love of his life, Lois Jane Thorne, in 1953, and they married September 28, 1957. Their loving union spanned nearly 45 years, and produced four children an six grandchildren. For 28, years, the couple traveled the world, relocating 19 times throughout Europe and the Continental United States as he served in the United States Army. Throughout his distinguished military career, he attended basic training, completed major assignments and fulfilled key command
positions, and rose through the ranks to Full-Bird Colonel.
For his illustrious service, he received numerous service awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross and National Defense Service Medal.
Col. Thorne retired from the U.S. Army in 9183 and moved to Kingwood, Texas. A longtime member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where he served as trustee, Col. Thorne was active in a number of ministries, including serving as the president of the Antioch Educational Services Foundation, and working with the Mens's Ministry (the Brotherhood). He also spent many years actively supporting and participating with the North Houston Frontiers' Club where he was a former president and served on a host of committees. He was dedicated to helping underserved students be afforded the opportunity to attend college. He worked tirelessly over the years to raise money for scholarships, and through his efforts, hundreds of students have received a college education.
Col. Thorne lived his life filled with honor, dignity, pride and incredible strength. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He loved to golf, fish, and was an avid sports lover. And while his physical being may not be here, his presence is greatly felt and missed by so many.
Col. Thorne was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Lois Jane Thorne; father, Albert Thorne; mother, Zelma Sampson; step-mother, Mattie Thorne; uncle, Willie B. Sampson; brother-in-law; Arthur Lee Rickett, and cousins, Gene Sampson, Sr. Charles "Talla" Rickett, and James "Poo" Rickett.
Celebrating the life and memory of Col. (Ret.) Phillip D. Thorne are: son, Phillip D. Thorne, Jr. and daughter-in-law Leila Thorne; daughter, Phyllis Thorne-Gillon, daughter; Pamella Thorne, daughter, Priscilla Thorne Tinsley,; and son-in-law Tracy Tinsley. Six grandson: John Gillion III, Jordan Gillon, Joshua Thorne, Jarius Gillon, Ty Tinsley, and Devin Tinsley. Brothers: Tommy Thorne and Charles Thorne and sisters: Shirley Thorne, Chissey Thorne, and Arlene Leonard. Uncle: Rev. lawrnece "Mack" Thorne. Aunts: Hazel Thorne-Harris and Bobbry Thorne-McDonald. brother-sister-in-law, John W. and Charlie Rickett. His dear friend, Delores Atkins, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members.
The funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay, Houston, Texas. Visitation will be held from 9a.m.with the service immediately following. Pastor Charles Washington, assistant pastor, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Col. Thorne's beloved organizations, Antioch Educational Services Foundation (AESF) P O Box 981 Houston, Tx 77001-0981 (800-495-1371 and the North Houston Frontiers Club Scholarship Fund 15814 Champion Forest Drive, #116 Spring, Texas (713)331-0440.
Col. Thorne will be buried with fully military honors during a Miitary Funeral Honors Ceremony on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 10:00a.m. at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.