Charlie Joseph Thornton

Charlie Joseph Thornton went to his eternal rest on July 27, 2024, at home with his family. He was born on November 12, 1942, in Lone Camp, Texas as the third of five children to John and Lela Owens Thornton.

     Charlie graduated from Santo High School in Santo, Texas in 1961. He attended Weatherford College, Texas Tech University, and East Texas State College before enlisting in the United States Navy in December of 1966. While stationed at Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines, he met the love of his life, Virginia. They married on September 30, 1978. After 22 years of service to his country as an aviation electrician, Charles retired at the rank of Chief from the U.S. Navy in August 1989 at Chase Field Naval Base in Beeville, Texas.

     After retirement, Charlie continued to work at Chase Field as a contractor for Lockheed, Grumman, and later with Sikorsky Manufacturing. He also worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and managed K-Bob’s Steakhouse in Beeville with his wife, Virginia.

     Charlie was an avid sports fan who loved his Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and San Antonio spurs. He was also found in the stands supporting Beeville Trojan athletic teams. He volunteered for many years with the Beeville Little League as a coach, board member, and League President.

     Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, John Thornton and Lela Owens Thornton, as well as his brother John Newton Thornton.

     He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Virginia Thornton and his three children, Rowena Tadena, Alta (Effie) Thornton, and Brian Thornton. He is also survived by one grandson, Seth Dominguez; his sisters, Alta Mae Thornton and Sherry Salters; one brother, Jerry Thornton and his nieces and nephews.

     A visitation will be held at 9am on Thursday, August 1, at Oak Park Memorial Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10am with Rev. Eric Tarver officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at 2 pm at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

     Serving as pallbearers are Brian Thornton, Seth Dominguez, Terry Thornton, Randy Thornton, Rodney Thornton, and Ryan Thornton.

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL
BEEVILLE, TEXAS

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