Name: Visitation for Dr. Daniel "Dan" Thornton
Start: 2018-07-11T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-07-12T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach

Daniel "Dr. Dan" Thornton

Vero Beach , FL

Daniel Lines Thornton, MD, ("Dr. Dan") passed away on July 5, 2018 after battling cancer.

Born on September 22, 1938 in Jacksonville, Florida, Dan was a fifth generation Floridian. A true Southern outdoorsman, who grew up hunting and fishing along the estuaries of the St. John's river. He carried his passion for flora and fauna with him all over the state.

Having been a Seminole, with a Bachelor's degree in history from Florida State University; a Hurricane, with a Medical Degree from the University of Miami; a physician in the residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital; and a lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy-Dan had quite an arsenal of wonderful stories to tell-and he did with charm and wit.

After leaving the Navy in Charleston, SC, he settled his family in the small town of Vero Beach and started his Pediatric Private Practice in 1971 and never left. As a child advocate, he served on many boards to advance patient care and served as Chief of Pediatrics at Indian River Memorial Hospital. He was a man who truly and absolutely loved his work and his patients.

Surviving are children Daniel Lines Thornton, Jr (Adrian); Allison Thornton Stonis (Luke), grandchildren, Jack and Adeline; Brittany Thornton Dodson (Mike), grandchildren, Brandon and Avery; Kristen Darrell Bruckner (Nate), grandchildren, Owen and Blake; and ex-wife Sandy Darrell-Daniel.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Myrtle Thornton; siblings Betty, Tom, Margaret; and ex-wife, Carolyn.

The public is invited for visitation on Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Strunk Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

At the request of the family, services will be private. Arrangements made through Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to projectsunshine.org - brightening the lives of pediatric patients.

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

Published by TC Palm on Jul. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Thornton

Sponsored by Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach.

18 Entries

Sandy

July 4, 2024

Miss you everyday.

Kathryn D. Hughes

October 18, 2019

I am Dan's 1st Cousin so I knew him for a very long time though we lived far away fm one another. I have many memories of him and his family, especially his sister, Margaret. It makes me happy to read the thoughtful comments by his Patients and Friends. With loving thoughts to his children. I am Kaky Dill Hughes, daughter of Kathryn Thornton Dill.

Sandy Daniel

October 6, 2018

Missing you more each day❤

Pat Carlsen

July 16, 2018

We were among Dr. Dan's very first patients when he moved to Vero. He was much loved by the entire Carlsen family. His children were also special to me as I taught them in high school and have worked with them at church. Much love and many blessings to everyone in his family. He will live on in so many hearts!
Pat Carlsen

July 13, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Doctor Dan at Treasure Coast Community Health for many years. He was a gifted Pediatrician and always put his patient's and their families first. Our TCCH Medical and Nursing staff truly respected his gentle manner with children and concern for their well being. We always looked forward to his weekly delivery of fresh fish for our staff. Thank you Dan for all that you did for the welfare of our Vero Beach Pediatric Community. RIP My Friend!! GOD BLESS!!! Herman M. Fountain, MD

Sue Nyman

July 11, 2018

Worked with Dr. Thornton at IRMC 1987-1997 in the nursery...so many good memories! God will certainly bless all the care he gave to his "children" over the years. Condolences to the family.

The Ken Mascara Family

July 11, 2018

To the Thornton Family, Words alone can never ease the pain experienced with the loss of a loved one. The Mascara family has your family in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Dan was pediatrician to Brittany and Michael for many years. Many of our friend's children were also patients. Our communities are a better place because of all the care and love he exhibited to a generation of children. May God be with and bless you all during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathies

July 11, 2018

Thank you for sharing your gift with our community Dr. Dan. You have left behind a legacy that will continue to live on for all those whose lives you touched; an unconditional love for life & people...

Christina, Robbie, & Bailey Taylor

Marianne Thomas

July 11, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you all! He lived a wonderful life filled with so much love! Hold onto your amazing memories!

Kathleen Stanton

July 11, 2018

I am 41 he was my peditrician and I loved him. He was the best doctor around. Gonna be missed

Barbara M Castagna

July 10, 2018

All I can say is WOW .. what a shame .. Vero's kindest most caring loving pediatrician .. I worked right next door to him and he even treated me on an emergency basis one of the nicest kindest men I know.. Rest In peace my friend the world was a better place because of you !!! Truly truly a good ol boy !!!

Kay Moran

July 10, 2018

Dr. Dan delivered my first son, Jimmy who is 40 yrs old now. I have very fond memories of his care and compassion.

Kathy Flynn

July 10, 2018

Dr. Thornton was the kindness doctor and was so good to my children. He went over and above for those who were in need of his help. I will alway be grateful for all he did for our family. My condolences to Dr. Thortonton family.....

Jody Flynn

July 10, 2018

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and magical ability to keep us calm as children when were afraid and not feeling well. RIP Dr. Thornton

Diana Gabaldon

July 10, 2018

I am sorry for Dr. Thronton's passing. I am grateful for the amazing care he gave me and my family over the years. - Diana, patient born 1971.

Dawn Holler

July 10, 2018

Dr. Thornton was not only a wonderful doctor but was a great employer. He loved to share his stories with us and tell jokes.

Dina Cutler

July 10, 2018

I am so saddened by the news of Dr. Dan's passing. He was one of the biggest parts of my daughters childhood.. My daughter arrived very prematurely and we were blessed for him to be in the hospital that because from the minute we met him and saw his compassionate side we knew he would be Nikki's Doctor.For every checkup he gave us his age appropriate advice which was always on point As a new Mom I couldn't have imagined life without Dr. Dan. . Every year we brought him his tie that he looked forward to, as he proceeded to tell us about his recent visit to see his family or his recent fishing story. His knowledge, his patience, his love was always so present and obvious. We feel so blessed to have had him in our lives. Thanks Dr. Dan one of a kind for sure. Our heart goes out to his family with much sadness.

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