John Blocker Thornton III

Blocker planted seeds for Jesus in my heart. Some sprouted many years ago. One more popped up today. Thank you my great friend. Your beaming smile stays in my everyday thoughts. I will try to do better today.

Minnett,

I am so sorry to hear about Blocker. I was with GM when the plant got built in 1979. I worked with Thornton Industrial Supply on many of our needs at the plant. My wife Jill and I were at a few parties at you house and went to the horse race track with you. I have been in NOLA working on a levee rebuild. There are a lot of LSU grads here and it got me thinking about Blocker, so I thought I would check to see if anything was online about him. I did not expect to find this information. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Blocker was a very outstanding person and am honored to have met him and considered him a true friend. Jill and Mike Albano

My thoughs and prayer are with my extended family The Throntons', for many of year I have looked up to Blocker and a Big brother. He will be missed as a Father, Grandfather and a wonderfull Husband to Minnette. His live was a blessing give by God for a rich full one!! Good Tiger!!!

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Minnette and family. What an amazing service honoring his life and his great deeds.

I'm so sorry to know of Blocker's passing. I know that he is blessed in heaven. I send my condolences to his wife, Minette and his sister, Dixey.

Minnett,I am so sorry to hear of Blocker's passing. We were good friends for many years. We worked out together at the downtown Y. Our country, state and espically our community has lost outstanding citizen. I will miss him. Richey Jackson

Blocker and I started Sci-Port's employee retirement plan together when I was the HR Manager there. I am so saddened by his passing. He was one of the kindest people I've ever known. There are not enough words to describe the level of service he provided to the employees there. He was just the best. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

I met Blocker and his father when I was working in purchasing at Atlas Processing Co. (Pennzoil). He was a remarkable person. When we husband passed away on a Friday evening (1995), Blocker was at my home Saturday morning. I will never forget him. He was quite a guy!

God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow or peace without pain. But God has promised strength for the day, rest for your labor, light for the way, grace for trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love. Lean on Him!

Minette,

I was saddened to learn of Blocker's passing. I have many fond memories of the times that we spent together.

Jerry

Minette, Claire and Collier,

I have been to many funerals that were a celebration of a person's life, but never to one that was such a blessing. I believe all of us that attended that service were anxious to get back in to the world and live for Christ, and that is exactly what Blocker wanted.

God bless you all,

Collier, We are so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Margaret and Michael Thompson (Arlington, VA)
[email protected]

Dear Minette, Claire, and Collier:
I am so sorry to learn of Blocker's death,but happy to learn of his great WITNESS to all that knew him. I never had the privilege to meet him but my son, Cory Rogers, has many fond memories of Blocker, you, Claire,and Collier.
My prayer for you is that the Lord will give you HIS peace during this difficult time.

Minette & Family

We are praying for you all in this time of grief. May you find peace and grace in God's word.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Thornton Family;
I have not had the chance of knowing Blocker personally, but have been friends with Collier for a few years. Knowing how great a business man and friend Collier turned out to be, I can only say it was most likely under the guidance of this outstanding man. We will keep your family in our prayers.

To the Family of Blocker Thornton,
Blocker was respected by all who knew him. He was a wise man and wanted to help all. I enjoyed the visits he made to McInnis Brothers. I would like to extend by sympathy to you.

We will all miss him.
Debra Winget

Minette and family,

My deepest sympathies for your loss of Blocker. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May you find comfort in God's love.

Dear Minette,
Blocker will be sorely missed. We had the privilege to work with him on our retirement plan. What a Godly man!!!! It has been a true honor to know him. He was a wonderful example of living for Christ. Please let me know if we can help in any way. Sandra Golden - ISA/Stewart Ins.

Dear Minetta,

You have our heart felt sympathy for Blocker. Blocker was a great guy in our eyes, I know the people of Wilkinson Terrace extend their sympathy also. Be Blessed and let the good memories of Blocker fill your heart with great happiness.

Again God Bless you and your family
Danny and Nancy Stills

Minette and Family,
We just recently heard about the loss of Blocker.Our heartfelt love and prayers are with you. Kenneth is out of town and I called and told him of your loss. Blocker was a great friend to Kenneth for many years. We have some great memories , attending the LSU football game with your family even though it was years ago. He was truly a great friend and a great man.
Kennth and Cheryl Estep
Bastrop,La

Dear Minette and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all today. When I told Frank about Blockers sudden death he immediately remembered him and said Blocker always made an effort to visit with him and make him feel included when we came to Shreveport. I never knew that and was surprised how much he knew about Blocker. That is a testimony of his witness of"living out our life for Christ" of course our family always remembers that you saved Betsys life as she kept " going under" at Couch Pool. I know Nancy was there to welcome Blocker to Heaven along with Van. You and Blocker have really given of your time talent and treasure to Byrd, Shreveport, and obviously many others. Let's keep in touch. Love Snippy

To Minette and Family, I extend my most sincere sympathy to you in your sudden loss of Blocker. I pray that God will give you comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead as you grieve his loss and joy as you cherish his fond memories and celebrate a life well lived.

To The Thornton Family,

I knew Blocker on several levels, business from Pennzoil Refinery, Financial Planning, and a personal level from working out with him at Willis Knighton for years. The most important level Thornton and I shared was of spirit. He and I shared our beliefs of Jesus Christ our Savior. He lived it.
I can not help but tear up when I heard of the time he attended a Fair Park/Byrd baseball game and immediately went out and helped to purchased new uniforms for Fair Park as the rivalry had fallen on bad times. What a heart felt act. He loved the game whether he was playing or supporting. He loved LSU.
Be comforted Blocker is with Jesus I have no doubt. He spent his life convincing others of the things to come in heaven.

God Bless You All and may God comfort you in your time of mourning.

Winston Ebarb
Carlyss, Louisiana

I have known Blocker since 1954 when we were in the 4th grade at Southfield School. I have always considered him to be a good friend during all the years I have known him. I am sorry to hear about his sudden death and look foward to meeting him on the other side. Wesley Wheless.

Dear Minette and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Blocker's death. I had the privilege of working for him at Thornton Industries as his secretary. Blocker was such a family man and so proud of all of you. He was a pleasure to know - always wanting the best for everyone. He had such a positive impact on me while I worked for him, and even after I left Thornton Industries. You and your family are in my prayers. And, Dixey, he so enjoyed and loved you - he always talked about you and how much he enjoyed his sis. I know how much you will miss him.

Minette & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy ,
Michael & Suzan Simpson

Minette
Brownie and I are so sorry for your loss. We are at a meeting in Florida and will not be able to attend services for Blocker. He was a fine man and a friend that I wish I had gotten to know better. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ed and Brownie Jeffries

Dear Mrs. Minette and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you during this most difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Blocker once, but my daughter, Maji, looked up to him greatly. He was a wonderful example of a loving husband, father, and grandfather for her. For that I am truly grateful.
Hope Buquoi(Denham Springs)

February 19, 2011

Minnette & Family,
May it give you comfort to remember all the ways your loved one's special love brought so much joy to yesterday. And may it give you comfort to always remember, too that through the years your loved one found such happiness in you.

We are thinking of you and extending sincere sympathy.

The Muse Family

With Thoughts Of Sympathy. When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel. We will always keep you all in our prayers.

Minnette,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I know you have precious memories that you will hold dear to your heart for a lifetime. May you find comfort in the Lord in the days ahead.
Anne(Sloat)and James Chunn

Minnette-
My heart is so sad. If I had known God was going to take him so soon, I just think of all the things I would have said to such a great guy. He was honest with me and was NEVER too busy to talk with me in his office about God. I was never scared to ask him what he thought and he was fair, and honest and told me what I needed to hear, which encouraged my desire for faith.
He was special and I am a better person for having known him while I was at Morgan Keegan.
You are in my heart and prayers...., I know Blocker is happy now- he has finally got all the answers to all the questions he encouraged us to ask ourselves on the road to Heaven.
May we honor his life by finishing what he started..., keeping faith and family our true priorites in life! He will be missed!
xoxo
Paige
AKA- Trouble

Minnette,
Bill and I are so very sorry to hear of Blocker's sudden death. We pray you will find comfort in your family, friends, church, and wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shannon (Green) & Bill Arnett

Thornton Family,
I knew Blocker from all the years he called on International Paper. He brightened everyone's day everytime he came to visit. He had a wonderful gift that made each one feel that they were the most important person on the planet and I know he truly meant it. I pray that God will give you all comfort today and in the days to come.

Please accept my condolences for Blocker's untimely death. My interactions with him arose from his help with my mother's financial plans. Blocker was always honest and direct, and his help and support are greatly appreciated. He will be warmly remembered and missed.

I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF BLOCKER. I HAVE NOT SEEN HIM IN A GREAT NUMBER OF YEARS, BUT OFTEN THOUGHT ABOUT SOME GOOD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER GROWING UP.

Minnette, you and Blocker have always been in my heart as extended family, stirring a feeling of great reunion whenever our paths crossed.

I am greatly saddened, but know that so much of God's love will find you comforted. Dad also sends his deepest sympathy to you and yours. He and I tearfully talked yesterday of our many great memories of your dear Blocker.

I remember the years of watching Blocker, Jimmy, and other guys playing football with my brothers (and me!) in our backyards -- having so much fun & coming inside to renew their boundless energy with a piled plate of sandwiches and each boy with his own quart of milk! Those fine young men were my extra brothers, grown now to accomplished leaders of whom I couldn't be prouder. Aptly put, Blocker was an All-American!

Blocker warmest perpetual smile will be forever remembered as he offered his thoughtfulness and winning spirit to friends old and new. He was as sincere as they come.

Godspeed to this great gentleman, and peace to your family.

I'm so sorry to hear of Blocker's death. I remember him well from our childhood. He was in my sister, Susybelle's, class. I send peaceful thoughts to all his family.

Blocker touched the life of a dear friend of mine, among numerous others, and I can truly attest that he was one of the FINEST Christian disciples on earth. Not only did he reach out to and witmess to the young men of Overcomers, but he truly made a difference in each and every life he touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to sweet Minette and the entire Thornton family.

Minette and family,
I was blessed to meet your husband and dad, and know his mother,father, and sister Dixie. He recognized me when I first came to Shreveport in 1962. I was struggling in a new giant school, and was overwhelmed, intimidated, afraid, shy, and extremely uncomfortable. In todays time, I would be diagnosed with social phobia, and panic attacks with extreme anxiety. I knew no one. Blocker Thornton saw this and helped me to become welcome. He was a total man, even at our young age of 16 at that time. He did what he has done his whole life, extended his hand of friendship, invited me to prayer meetings, to his home, to his church, and introduced me to his friends. He had no enemies. I must tell you that I probably would have not been able to adjust and would not be here today, if not for Blocker Thornton. We agreed to re kindle our friendship when I retired this year. I will try to represent some of what he did when I do come home, as I shared with him that I have spent the last 20 years as a drug counselor. I pray that every person he has affected will remember him by coming to the plate, and become more aggressive, and compassionate about helping those who are struggling and need more guidance and help. I guess Blocker may say 'love your brother'.
Sincerely,Irvin Mann,Byrd Class of 1963

Dear Minette, Claire and Collier:
I cannot believe that my chance of seeing Blocker's smile on this earth are over but I know that he will be smiling down on each of you, every single moment of every single day for the rest of your earthly lives through the wind that blows on your cheeks and the sun that warms your soul. When beautiful flowers bloom in your garden I am sure you will know he sent those to you. And I am sure that when he entered the pearly gates that our Lord and Savior declared 'job well done'.

Minnette, you and Blocker have always been in my heart as extended family, stirring a feeling of great reunion whenever our paths crossed. 

I am greatly saddened, but know that so much of God's love will find you comforted. Dad also sends his deepest sympathy to you and yours.  He and I tearfully talked yesterday of our many great memories of your dear Blocker.

I remember the years of watching Blocker, Jimmy, and other guys playing football with my brothers (and me!) in our backyards -- having so much fun & coming inside to renew their boundless energy with a piled plate of sandwiches and each boy with his own quart of milk!  Those fine young men were my extra brothers, grown now to accomplished leaders of whom I couldn't be prouder.  Aptly put, Blocker was an All-American!   

Blocker warmest perpetual smile will be forever remembered as he offered his thoughtfulness and winning spirit to friends old and new.  He was as sincere as they come.

Godspeed to this great gentleman, and peace to your family.

Ky Ellen Mason & all our family

When Blocker was representing Thornton Industries at Pennzoil Refinery, He and I were selected as the only "Tier 1" vendors asked to serve on an advisory board to management.
Blocker always represented Thornton Ind. with the class and integrity if a true gentleman. It was indeed an honor and certianly my pleasure to have known him in this limited capacity.

I will always love and miss you Blocker. You were like a dad that I never had in my life and you always gave me much wisdom and guidance everytime I came to your house, at Church or when you gave us a message at Overcomers. You looked into our eyesand saw the positive everytime. Thank you for being such an incredible friend, mentor, man of God and leader in my life along with many others.. You will be forever missed friend!!! Rest In Peace. Tell Jesus I love him and we shall meet again in Heaven. Thank You.

Minette and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Blocker was a true man of God that alot of the men at Eagle Creek came to depend on. His loss is a true loss to our whole community. We pray comfort and peace for your family.

I met Blocker on a Friday evening at the SCC Cafe. We were both watching our children or grandchildren play. We was a great witness for Christ and really impacted my life immediately and thereafter. As a family, we are sorry for your lose.

The Tew Family
Chris Tew

What a wonderfully good man. I can attest to the many young men at Byrd who Blocker and his family "took in" and provided guidance, love, and hope. Always the example and model of Christian living, he truly turned young people from the life of the street to the paths of hope, education and success. He spent a life giving to others and he was loved and appreciated and will be missed in our community. Minnett, Claire and Collier all reflect those same wonderful qualities. This truly was one of the great families of our City.

It was my priviledge to become acquainted with Blocker and Minette when my son, Aaron Wimberly, and Collier were on the baseball team at Byrd High School in the early 1990's. It was then I observed his interest in
all of the young men on the team; he was always there encouraging each and every one of the boys and guiding them in whatever help they needed. On several occasions he would take Aaron and Collier to LSU to visit Skip Bertman and his team, which made such a remarkable impression on my son. I know I am one among many of people he encountered in life to experience his kindness. I have always spoken highly of him and Menette to many of my friends and acquaintances then and in the years that have passed since then. God Bless your family in this time of sadness. Remember and cherish the life you all had with him and he will always be alive in your hearts.In sympathy, Arlene Wimberly and family