Edward Franklin Thornton

Frank Thornton, 90, of Santo, Texas passed away Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 in Santo, TX at home after a few months decline in health. 

Edward Franklin Thornton was born July 31st, 1932 to Robert Lee (Bob) and Josie ‘Isreal’ Thornton in Lone Camp, Texas. 

Frank attended Santo School through graduation. While he was in high school he met the love of his life Patsy Nell Sparks at the skating rink and started dating from then on. 

The two married on June 1st, 1951 and started their life together. They had two children Connie and Danny. They moved from Santo to Fort Worth while Frank worked for General Dynamics for several years. During this time he attended night school at TCU where he received his Associates Degree and was 6 hours short of receiving his Bachelor’s Degree.  Frank and Pat also ventured into several entrepreneurial endeavors while living in Fort Worth. 

Frank decided one day that he was missing out on spending time with his family. He prayed about this decision and through passing notes back and forth during church service, he and Pat decided to move back to Santo and buy the local feed/general store there. This is where Thornton Mercantile was born. 

They returned to Santo and opened the store. Frank spent the rest of his life dedicating himself to his small town of Santo. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Santo and spent several years as a deacon there. He was also a member of the freemasons Santo chapter and spent several years on the Board of Directors at the local First National Bank of Santo. 

Frank was the unofficial “mayor” of Santo as everyone called him. He truly loved his small little town and all of the people in it. He never met a stranger and always took advantage to help and witness to anyone that he could. 

Frank loved his family more than anything though. He wanted to spend as much time with them as possible and never wanted to miss any moments of their lives no matter how minuscule it seemed. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

Our hearts are heavy with sadness with his passing but he was a devout Christian and we find comfort and peace knowing that he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior, reunited with past loved ones and pain-free in paradise. 

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Josie Thornton; wife Patsy Nell Thornton; Brothers Troye Lee Thornton, Roy Thornton and Garland Thornton ; Sisters- Lou Tishie Hise, Marie Walker, and Bobbie Zinn.

He is survived by his children Danny Thornton and Connie Thornton; grandchildren- Erica Thornton and spouse Ryan Pizarro, Hunter Thornton and spouse Jessica Henderson, Kristen Box and husband Delton Box; great-grandchildren Preston Box and wife Abigayle Box, Taygan Box, and Korbyn Box. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. 

Pallbearers;  Mark Edwards, Hunter Thornton, Delton Box, Philip Colvin, Michael Price and Scott Mauney.

Honorary Pallbearers; Lon Bevill and Kenny Ray Long.

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