John Garland Thornton
John Garland Thornton
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John Thornton Obituary
He was born on March 10, 1941, in Mena, Arkansas, to James Alix Thornton, Jr and Juanita Blanche Garland Thornton. He spent most of his working years in the insurance business, owning and operating Thornton Insurance Agency in Mena-work he took pride in and approached with integrity and dedication.
He was an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong love for hunting and fishing. He was also quite a practical joker, especially enjoying camping trips with the guys, where laughter, stories, and well-planned pranks were always part of the adventure.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves and was actively involved in his community. He was a longtime member of the local Elks Lodge and a dedicated Mason, honored as Mason of the Year in 1999.
He was affectionately known for valuing functional over fancy. Armed with creativity and determination, he could fix practically anything with a little time, duct tape, and yellow spray paint.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alix Thornton, Jr and Juanita Blanche Thornton, his former spouse and lifelong friend, Lenora Thornton; brother Joe Jim Thornton; and sister, Jane Taylor.
He is survived by his children, Eric Thornton of Mena, Arkansas, Suzanne White and husband Randy of Cabot, Arkansas; grandchildren, Larissa Ford and husband Cody, Brandon Thornton of Russellville, Arkansas, Kristen White, Riley White and wife Averie, and Skylar White of Cabot, Arkansas; great-grandchildren, Braden Robinson and Bryer Ford of Russellville, Arkansas, Aiden, Maria, and Rydge White of Cabot, Arkansas; his brother Jeremy Thornton and wife Quincy of Mena, Arkansas.
Cremation services for Mr. John Thornton are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation prior to the memorial service Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Brother Alvin Rosson will be officiating.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
John Philpot
January 28, 2026
I knew John since the day he was born. His older brother, Joe Jim, was born three days after me, and his sister, Jane, was my sister, Judy's, best friend. John and I have a great deal of history together, far too much to deliver here. I will simply say, I'm not far behind you, my friend. I look forward to a grand reunion with you, Joe Jim, Jane, Jim, Juanita and Pappy. I will play on my steel guitar (harp) all those big band songs I never had the chance to play for your Mom and Dad. John Philpot
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611 Janssen Avenue P.O. Box 317, Mena, AR 71953
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