Burkie LaRue Thornton

Burkie LaRue Thornton, 91, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 2, 2018, in Mineral Wells. She was the third of ten children born to Farris Marlin and Katie Loyce Miller Wheeler on October 6, 1926, in the New Salem community. Burkie married Thurman Wylie Thornton on May 20, 1950, in Santo, and they were married for 49 years when Thurman passed away in 1999. She was a school teacher for the Fort Worth ISD for 32 years, and she and Thurman retired to Lake Palo Pinto. Burkie was active in her church and community. She was a member of Eastern Star, Palo Pinto Historical Association, 552nd AAA Battalion Association, and she sang with The Silver Notes.Burkie is survived by 4 children, Douglas Thornton and wife Judy, Ricky Thornton, Larry Thornton and wife Phyllis, and G'na Gayle; 7 grandchildren, Eric Thornton, Kristi Sheffield, Staci Mote, Tyler VanWormer, Melissa Byers, Casey and Silas Thornton; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 4 siblings, Max Wheeler, Eva Lu Wright, Linda Duncan, and Franna McCullars; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Thurman; parents Kate and Marlin; brothers Joe Von, Everett, and Harold Wheeler; and sisters Jeannette Burnett and Vernell McCalla.Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday, July 5 at Baum Carlock Bumgardner in Mineral Wells. The funeral will be 2 pm Friday, July 6 at Lone Camp Baptist Church, officiated by Brad Thompson, followed by the burial at New Hope Cemetery.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Santo Meals on Wheels or Music and Memory.