Lester Avon Thornton

Lester Avon Thornton obituary

Lester Avon Thornton

Lester Thornton Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Groveton Funeral Home on Sep. 25, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Lester Avon Thornton was born on July 17, 1932, in Mexia, Texas, to Aaron and Dottie (Hashaw) Thornton. He passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Huntsville, Texas, at the age of 93.

Lester lived a life defined by service, determination, and family. As a young man, he proudly served four years in the United States Navy, where he developed a discipline and dedication that carried him throughout life. He was never afraid of hard work, and his career path reflected his willingness to learn and master new skills. His final working years were spent traveling as a truck driver for an oil company, a job that let him see much of the country and meet people along the way.

When Lester wasn't working, he enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of gardening and tinkering with small engines, always finding joy in fixing and growing things with his hands. Raised in the Baptist faith, his childhood church experiences laid a foundation of faith and community that carried throughout his years. He cherished visiting with family, attending gatherings, and being surrounded by those he loved.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine Kinney; parents, Aaron and Dottie Thornton; brothers Aaron Jr., Joseph, and Robert Thornton; sisters, Cynthia Thornton and Delma Lester; and many nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his sisters: Janie Thornton of Trinity, Texas, Flodessa Starling of Kennard, Texas, and Nelda Lightfoot of Trinity, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will remember his humor, wisdom, and steadfast love.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember Lester's remarkable journey and legacy.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Lester Avon Thornton, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Groveton Funeral Home

1019 West First Street PO Box 358, Groveton, TX 75845

Make a Donation
in Lester Thornton's name

How to support Lester'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Lester 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Lester Thornton's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?