Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Thornton Obituary
John David Charles Thornton
50, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, May 15 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Dave was born on December 22, 1963 in Kansas City, Missouri to Richard E. and Margaret J. Thornton. He received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Computer Science from Miami University of Ohio and his Master's Degree in Mathematics Education from Butler University. Dave taught at Perry Meridian High School for 21 years and coached wrestling, track & field, and football. Dave was also the Head Rigger at the Klipsch Music Center, having worked there each summer since the venue opened in 1989 and served as the Treasurer for the Save the Show Foundation. Dave is survived by Allison C. Thornton and daughters, Ansley E. and Ellery R. Thornton, all of Noblesville, Indiana, as well as his brother, Richard M. Thornton, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 4:00 p.m. in Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave's name to a college fund for Dave's daughters, to the American Cancer Society or to the Save the Show Foundation. College fund donations may be made at any Forum Credit Union to the savings account in the name of Ansley and Ellery Thornton or mailed to Forum Credit Union, Carmel Branch, 2259 East 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Arrangements have been entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Carmel Chapel .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Thornton
Carrel Regan
July 21, 2014
Missing you so very much, Dave. Love, Aunt Carrel
Heather Stege
May 24, 2014
Allison, I was so saddened to hear the news and I am thinking of you and the girls.
Emily Sweeney
May 23, 2014
Dave was a wonderful man! He always had a smile on his face and so much love for his girls!! He will be missed!
Bob & Wesley Bernard
May 22, 2014
Our prayers are with Allison and the girls for your loss. I coached with Dave for 10 years, and I never knew one man who accomplished so much!
Cindy Baney
May 22, 2014
Allison, I am so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like Dave was a wonderful man who dearly loved you and his girls. Please know that your friends at Carmel Elementary are praying for comfort for you and your sweet girls.
Marlena Lange
May 22, 2014
Praying for Allison and the girls. I pray that you get the strength you need to get through the passing of Mr. Thornton. He was an awesome algebra teacher.
Candace (Gard) Baker
May 22, 2014
Mr. Thornton was my math teacher my 11th grade year. I failed math until I got into his class. He taught like no other.Helped me realize that I could do it and it wasn't as hard. I take his words of wisdom with me everyday. He gave so many of us wings and now he has his. Fly high Mr.Thornton. You were an inspiration to a lot of us!
Jan Cooney
May 22, 2014
I taught on the same staff as Dave at PMHS and although I didn't know him as a personal friend, I enjoyed reading his weekly "Mat Notes" update on PM wrestling. I also know he could run circles around any teacher in completing the daily crossword. Last summer I saw Bob Dylan at Klipsch and waved to Dave on stage. He brought me his crew shirt the next day as a souvenir. That's how Dave lived: always thinking of others first. When I heard about Dave's passing I was in Tulsa, Oklahoma waiting in line for a meet and greet with my favorite band. I shed a few tears there but then thought that what I was doing, going to see live music, is something Dave would have done himself had he been able to. He was definitely loved and will be missed.
Angie Compton
May 22, 2014
I had Mr Thornton at Perry Meridian High School as an algebra teacher and he was an awesome teacher and person. He will be greatly missed.
Tara Pierson
May 22, 2014
May God smother you with all his love, care, and strength, in this sad time. Am sorry for your loss, but with time and courage you will sail through these rough days.
Tina Hughes
May 22, 2014
Mr. Thornton has been such an inspiration in my daughters life and many others at PMHS. He will be greatly missed by the students and families that had the honor of knowing him. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in John Thornton's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John Thornton
Funeral services provided by:
Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services - Carmel Chapel900 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Thornton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
