Larry Thornton

Larry Wayne Thornton, 79, of Phillips, passed away suddenly on July 12 at CHI-Health St. Francis. A graveside service was held on Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m., at the Phillips Cemetery. Dan Naranjo officiated. All Faiths Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date.

Larry was born on June 11, 1941 in Omaha, to William and Margueritte (Schmill) Thornton. He was raised in the Omaha area and graduated from Omaha Benson High School in 1959. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

He worked for the Eaton Corporation in Kearney, retiring in 1998 after more than 25 years of employment.

On April 29, 1989, Larry was united in marriage to Barb (Perrel) Hansen. They enjoyed running Gramps Antiques and going to auctions for many years.

Larry practiced martial arts and Tai Kwon Do in both Kearney and Grand Island. He achieved his third degree black belt and his instructor certificate. In recent years he enjoyed practicing Tai Chi. Larry took great pleasure in going fishing, watching all Husker sports and spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Barb; Larry’s sons, Mike (Lesa) Thornton of Grand Island, Joe Thornton of Evanston, Wyo.; Erik (Ruth Ann) Thornton of Rock Springs, Wyo.; Ken Thornton of Evanston, Wyo.; Barb’s children Chris (Fred) Drummond of Lithia, Fla.; Jeff (Sue) Hansen of Phillips; 15 grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom; and grandson, Aaron Lane Thornton.

Online condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.