SAGINAW – David Henry Thornton, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 27, 2026. The family kindly requests that attendees wear red in honor of fallen soldiers and their sacrifice. Celebration of Life: 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Mount Olivet Chapel. Interment: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in the Breyley Suite at Mount Olivet. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Wounded Warriors: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or Magnolia Hospice: https://theremarkablelife.org/ David was born on February 22, 1947, in Bowie, Texas, to Henry and Betty Thornton. Raised with strong values of faith, family, and country, David carried those principles with him throughout his life. On March 24, 1991, he married the love of his life, Carolyn, in Fort Worth, Texas. Together they built a life centered on devotion, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. David proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 30 faithful and dedicated years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class (SFC, Ret.). His military career reflected his deep patriotism, strong leadership, and commitment to mentoring those under his guidance. He was extremely proud of his service and remained devoted to honoring his fellow soldiers throughout his life. Beyond his military career, David was a man who cherished the simple joys of life. He loved hunting and fishing and was an avid Texas sports fan. He found great fulfillment in coaching little league baseball and football, investing in young athletes and teaching them lessons that extended far beyond the field. David treasured time spent with family and friends, and he will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and mentor to many. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry A. Thornton; and his sister, Melinda Thornton. David is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Thornton of Saginaw, Texas; his mother, Betty Francis Thornton; his children, Terry Thornton and wife, Amy of Decatur, Texas, Valerie Stacy and husband, Kris of Decatur, Texas, Tamra Martin of Dallas, Texas, Michael Williamson and wife, Amie of Asher, Oklahoma and Michele Deaver and husband, Ronnie of Granbury, Texas; siblings, Melissa Stricklin of Stephenville, Texas, and Don Thornton and wife, Vicky of North Richland Hills, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. David’s life was a testament to service, strength, and love of country. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished. MOUNT OLIVET CHAPEL Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 2301 N. Sylvania Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76111 817-831-0511
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