Robert Lee Thornton

Robert (Bob) Lee Thornton, age 79, of Johnston City, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Robert was born on September 12, 1944, the son of Grover Laverne and Florene (Reed) Thornton of Herrin.
Robert attended school in Herrin until his parents moved to a farm outside of Johnston City during his sophomore year of high school. At Johnston City High School, he met the love of his life, Charlene West. They were married on Christmas Eve, 1965 and celebrated over 58 years of marriage.
Robert graduated from Johnston City High School in 1962. He continued his education at SIU- Carbondale, where he attained a bachelor's degree, and later a Master's. After spending some time as a drafting engineer at Phelps-Dodge, he began teaching wood shop at Zeigler- Royalton. Two years later, he came back home to Johnston City, where he spent more than 30 years teaching building trades and drafting. Mr. Thornton was a role model for many JCHS graduates.
After their son married, Robert and Charlene started attending church with their son and daughter in law at Liberty No. 6 Freewill Baptist Church, where he was later joined by his daughter's family. Robert remained a faithful man, seldom missing a Sunday service up until his recent health decline. Of the many lessons Robert has passed on to his family, his dedication to serving the Lord is the greatest.
Robert enjoyed being outside, whether it was on a horse, on a tractor, or in a deer blind. But his greatest enjoyment was watching and teaching his six grandchildren. He rarely missed any of their events. As important as Mr. Thornton was to his students, Grandpa Thornton had the biggest impact of all on his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Charlene; son, Duane (Janet) Thornton; daughter, Sandy (Chris) Stanley; six grandchildren, Josh (Kennadi) Thornton, Brianna (Jeremiah) Thornton, Kaci Thornton, Trevor Stanley, Darcey Stanley, and Chase (Ashton) Stanley; cousin, J.L. (Martha) Thornton; niece Darlene West and nephews Mike West, Danny (Sheryl) West, Andy West, Joe West, Tim (Debbie) West. His family loves him dearly.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday May 10, 2024, at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastors Don Eberhart and Steve Lindsey officiating. Entombment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 9th, 2024, at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert "Bob" Thornton Scholarship Fund at Johnston City High School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home the day of the service.
Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements.