Haskell Thornton Obituary

Haskell Thornton was born in Sasakwa, Oklahoma on July 21, 1932 to Henry Floyd Thornton and Nellie Mae Thornton. The second oldest of seven, he had one older sister, Delois Fern, next his brother Gerald Dale, followed by four sisters, Viva Jean, Marlene, Barbara and Sharon. He grew up enjoying the creeks and backwoods, fishing and hunting with his best friend Wayne Duke. This was significant, because later as a father and grandfather he instilled that love of nature and fishing in his children and grandchildren. His family later moved to Oklahoma City, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Holland. They were married on November 17, 1951 in her parents living room with close friends and family. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Floyd Wayne Thornton, in 1952 and their daughter Brenda Kay, in 1955. Also in 1955 they bought their family home in Valley Brook. There they raised their family, hosted many holidays and built a lifetime of memories. Although not wealthy, he provided well for his family. He worked for Macklanburg-Duncan for many decades, until his retirement. Doing everything from building levels in all their parts, to supervising greater production. He taught himself carpentry and building and could often be found doing projects on the side. Some of these included adding on to their home, building a shop, building a pigeon coop for his son, and later refinishing furniture projects with his daughter. Other hobbies included gardening and tending his flowers, bird watching with Joyce, camping, hunting and fishing. Many wonderful memories were made at their lake house in Eufala with family and friends, having game nights, playing Dominos, Uno, Chicken Foot and Rook were always a favorite. He and Joyce rarely missed an opportunity to take the family traveling and camping, visiting many state and national parks across the country. After retirement they bought a fifth wheel and continued to travel together and with friends. Eventually they visited all the states, except Hawaii. As a devout Christian, he raised his children actively in the church and rarely missed a service. He and Joyce were members of Sunny Lane Assembly of God Church for 42 years, and then Bethesda Church for 22 years. They were active in senior group, and could often be found serving the church. He was a loving and faithful husband to Joyce from their marriage in 1951 until her death in 2021. And a devoted father and grandfather to his family until he passed to his final rest Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joyce; daughter Brenda; brother, Gerald Dale and sisters, Delois, Viva, Marlene and Barbara. He is survived by his sister, Sharon, his son, Floyd Wayne Thornton and wife Joyce, son in law Charlie Mullins, grandchildren Donnie and Heidi Gillespie, Christopher and Kara Thornton, Timothy Thornton, Matthew and Elizabeth Thornton, Aletia Thornton, Stephen Brewer, and Jason Brewer, 16 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.