Hershel Leon Thornton, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on May 4, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.
Hershel was born on September 11, 1932 to Willard and Irene (Butler) Thornton in McCrory, Arkansas. He married the love of his life, Mary Catherine (Robertson) on June 1, 1955
Hershel retired from M&A Electric Power Co-op. His career started as a lineman and ended with being line superintendent. He was in the United States Navy for four years and served on the USS Frank Knox with two of his brothers.
Hershel instilled his love of the outdoors on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite sport was cat fishing at Lake Wappapello. It was his joy to teach anyone how to trotline. With Hershel’s guidance. his son, brothers, nephews and grandchildren all learned how to trotline and boat loads of fish were caught over the years. You could find Hershel and his Mary Catherine at the lake anytime he wasn’t working.
Hershel is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; children, Vicki Thornton (Gerald) of High Ridge, Missouri, Cindy Baker (Terry) of Poplar Bluff, Tim Thornton of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Shawn Baker (Lori) of Poplar Bluff, Shannon Pirtle (Shane) Bonne Terre, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Jake, Hayden, Addison Pirtle; brothers, Bill Thornton (Daylene) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Betty Sue Harwell (J.C.) of Poplar Bluff.
Hershel was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Irene Thornton; siblings, Emmitt (Mary) Thornton, Wayne (JoAnn) Thornton, Lou (John) Deveraux.
Daddy did not fear death. He would make the statement “He had a good run”. Which drove his family crazy and anyone that know him, knows that statement is true. His great-granddaughter, Addison will say her paw-paw didn’t pass away he unicorned and went over the rainbow.
Per Hershel’s request there will be no visitation or services. The family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in his honor.
Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to service Hershel’s family.