Mar. 23, 1959 - Feb. 13, 2024
Date of Service: Mar. 23, 2024
BURLEY – Robert Lynn Thornton, 64, passed away from a fire in his home in Burley, Idaho, on Feb 13, 2024.
Robert was born March 23, 1959, in Burley, Idaho, to Harvey Lon Thornton and Rose Warner Thornton. He was welcomed home by two brothers, Nathan and Dennis, and two sisters, Nadine and Virginia. He was embraced with much love.
He always wanted to please people. He knew who God was in his life and called him “The Boss”. Bob had a reputation for being a hard worker. He helped with the family trucking business along with his brothers. He enjoyed scouting and in 1969 attended the National Scout Jamboree at Farragut State Park.
In high school he participated in wrestling. In 1977, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served at Hill Field Air Force Base in Clearfield, Utah, where he served as a jet mechanic until he was discharged under honorable circumstances in 1979.
He married twice in his life but never had any children even though he enjoyed kids immensely and would have been a great father. He was well thought of by his nieces and nephews. He loved being out in nature and enjoyed fishing. Going to Yellowstone Park in the summer between crops of hay was always something he could count on. He was full of energy. Lake Cleveland was also a delightful camping and fishing spot for Bob and his family. Some of his ashes will be spread there in remembrance of his pleasure in being there.
Bob was always looking out for the underdog. He had a multitude of varied friends. He had a very generous heart. He could be found encouraging prayer circles as he prayed with great faith for his family and friends.
His passing in a tragic RV fire has broken all our hearts. It is amazing that with his passing he actually got to join his parents and other loved ones and enjoy Valentine’s Day with them in Heaven. Bob, you will be greatly missed but we are glad you graduated and got to go home to your Heavenly Father and your loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Rose Thornton; a stillborn brother, James Thornton; and two nephews, Chris and Harvey Napper. He is survived by his four siblings, Dennis (Marge) Thornton, Nadine (Norman) Andersen, Nathan Thornton, and Virginia Napper; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, March 23, in conjunction with his 65th birthday, at Pleasant View Cemetery, located at 1645 E. 16th St., in Burley, Idaho.
