Larry Paul Thornton

Larry Paul Thornton, 71, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 26, 2022.  Larry was born on October 5, 1950 to Paul and Kathryn Thornton in Keokuk, IA. 
He entered into the Army on May 12, 1971 and served as an aide to a General stationed in Fort McPherson, GA. After his service with the General, Larry started serving in the National Guard/Army Reserves in 1974. He served our nation for a total of almost 23 years where he retired as a Sergeant First Class (E7).  
In October 1973, Larry married his loving wife Judy Fisher at her parent’s home. Together they had 3 beautiful girls, Angela, Andrea, and Lindsey.  His family spent a great deal of time at the ball fields.  Larry coached his daughter’s softball team and later became an umpire for Decatur County Youth League.  If you ask his girls, he was tough as a coach and especially as an umpire as he had no favorites. Even in his toughness, they cherished those times they spent with their dad as he taught them sportsmanship, perseverance, and the overall love of the game. Even though he had a heart for playing ball; his heart was truly captured by “his girls” especially if it meant attending cheer camp.
In 1986, Larry made the decision to follow wholeheartedly after the Lord.  It was at this time, he was compelled to become a member of Trinity Assembly of God in Decaturville, Tennessee.  He served as a Trustee and Deacon. While at Trinity, Larry was asked to be the Senior Commander of the Royal Rangers.  He faithfully served this program for 18 years.  His favorite verse that he leaned on for guidance in leading his outpost was Proverbs 22:6; “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  
Larry was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary Kathryn Thornton, his father, Paul J. Thornton, his mother-in-law, Anna E. Kindle Fisher Moore and two grandchildren, AnaClaire and Eli Steele. He is survived by his wife, Judy Thornton, of Decaturville; 3 children, Angela (Shane) Steele, of Nettleton, MS; Andrea (Jonathan) Johnson, of Parsons; and Lindsey (Michael) Turner; of Decaturville; 5 grandchildren, Lain Johnson, Andon Johnson, Raelee Turner, Kesalee Turner, and Kallen Turner as well as 3 bonus grandchildren, Allie Steele, Sarah Steele, and Aaron Steele.  Larry is also survived by his best friend and twin brother, Gary (Linda) Thornton, of Decaturville; 1 brother-in-law Mike (Tonia) Fisher, of Parsons and nieces and nephews as well as a host of other family and friends who he cherished. 
His funeral service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, March1, 2022 at reed's Chapel - Decaturville, TN 
with Bro. Keith Kirk officiating.  Burial will follow in Trinity Cemetery with military rites at the gravesite.
Visitation will be Monday 5 PM - 8 PM and Tuesday 9 AM until service.

The family requests that no food be brought to the funeral home.

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