Gary L. Thornton, 67, of Lubbock, died Friday, July 10, 2015 after a long, brave battle with cancer. A Celebration in honor of Gary’s life will be held at 4pm, Tuesday, July 14, at Joe’s Crab Shack, 5802 W. Loop 289 in Lubbock. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Distinctive Life Cremations and Funerals of Austin. Gary was born Friday, May 21, 1948 in Hobbs, NM to Ernest “Red” and Winona (Stokes) Thornton. He owned and operated Thornton Vacuum on 50th Street in Lubbock, Texas for decades, and the signage is still a known landmark on the increasingly busy thoroughfare in the town to this day. In his lifetime, Gary enjoyed learning new activities, traveling and meeting people. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, and loved hoping on his bike to drive without plans, just to see what destinations he would encounter. He had many adventures, making use of his talents in several sports including success on the baseball field, winning championship bowling tournaments, and playing golf to pro-status. He worked for many years as a manager of the Sleep Number Store in the South Plains Mall, and was a recipient of the Presidential Recognition Award for his expertise in all things sleep related, and his expert salesmanship in 2010. One afternoon in late 2014, he caught an interview by chance on CNN regarding an up and coming business in the funeral service industry that would eventually lead to his encouragement of a young funeral service professional and friend to follow her dreams, thus being the catalyst to a business relationship that resulted in the opening of Distinctive Life Cremations and Funerals in Austin, Texas. He was a loving father to two bright and intelligent children, Brian and Amber, and the lessons he taught them in his lifetime will undoubtedly be passed on to his beloved grandchildren in the years ahead as they, too, mature into great adults. Gary loved to talk, and would sometimes tell you the same, detailed story, again and again and again. He had a gift with words, and a knack for storytelling, so no matter how many times you heard the same adventure, it was always told in colorful detail and the takeaway was a new life lesson each and every time. He was an amazing friend, generous beyond words, and was always going above and beyond to care for others before his own needs. Gary had fought and beaten cancer twice before this final battle took his life. He will be greatly missed beyond measure, and his words of advice and loving guidance will ring true to those who cared for him in the many, many years to come. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two children; son, Brian Thornton, and wife Nikoah, and daughter, Amber Thornton Shipman; three precious grandchildren; two nieces; and many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations in Gary’s memory to Baan Chang Elephant Sancutary. As an alternative, the Baan Chang Elephant sanctuary can accept direct donations via Paypal through [email protected].

Distinctive Life Cremations and Funerals