W.L. "SPOT" THORNTON

W.L. "SPOT" THORNTON
March 15, 1919 ~ Dec. 14, 2009

EL CAMPO - Spot was born in South Bend to James M Thornton and Cora Vines Thornton.
He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps where he helped to construct Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. After Pearl Harbor was bombed, he began a career in flying when he was accepted into the Army Air Corps. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant, and served in World War II on the European front, flying C-47 cargo planes on D-Day and throughout the Battle of the Bulge.
After the War he moved to El Campo where he met his wife, Shelley Conquest Thornton. Together they successfully owned and operated the Independent Dusting Service for many years. Shelley preceded Spot in death in 2006.
Spot and Shelley are survived by their three children: Lynda Morgan, Debra Sorenson and husband Gene, and Alan (Speck) Thornton and wife Donna. They are also survived by grandchildren: Dana Grafton and husband Mike, Will Sorenson, Zane Thornton, Heath Thornton, Russ Sorenson, and Tyson Thornton and wife C.J. Spot and Shelley are also survived by their great-granddaughter, Kyla Cunningham, in whom they found great joy.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to Liz Sindelar, who cared so lovingly for Spot in his last months.
Spot had requested that his body be donated to science. The family will have a gathering in remembrance of Spot at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Wharton County Public Library - El Campo Branch, or the charity of your choice.