Don Nathaniel Thornton Sr. was born on June 9, 1930 in Drummond Tennessee to Vance Godfrey Thornton Sr. and Myrtle Viola (Wright) Thornton and their existing children: Viola, Vance Jr., Bernice, Ruth, John and Charlene. Not long after Don's birth, his dear sister Dolly was born. The two youngest Thornton children became each other's best friend as their family endured many challenges including surviving a pants-stealing tornado, moving west to California during The Great Depression, working in the fields picking cotton, and living in tents and wood shacks. These difficult times helped Don develop into the hard working, loyal, and loving man his family loved so dearly.

Despite his difficult early years, Don enjoyed school, hunting with friends, playing basketball and riding motorcycles. Don graduated from Visalia High School in 1949 and was drafted into the army. He married the lovely June Bitney on June 9, 1951 shortly before being deployed to Korea where he served his country during the war. After his military service, Don worked many different jobs while also studying for a degree in teaching from Fresno State University. He was the only member of his family to graduate from high school or to earn a college degree. His lifelong devotion to education and learning has become a hallmark of his legacy - many of his children and grandchildren have sought higher education as a result of his influence.

His daughter Christine and oldest son, Don Jr., were born during his college years. After graduation, Don found joy and satisfaction in teaching at Ivanhoe elementary school for over 20 years and coaching football, basketball, and track for many years. During these years Don and June welcomed 3 more sons into their family; Doug, Robert, and David.

Throughout his life Don was known as a hard worker, who never took a summer off and always had multiple projects. He learned how to build from his oldest brother Vance Jr., a local contractor. He worked on fixing up many homes and also helped with the construction of the LDS church building on Conyer Street. He and his wife June moved from house to house repairing and beautifying each before moving on to the next. Don was an avid gardener and loved to share his garden's excess with friends, family, and neighbors.

His love of family and his wonderful wife June continued to the end. Don and June were married for over 70 years. The family enjoyed being together which often included working in the garden, camping trips, drives to the coast or vacations looking at potential property. Even though he was separated from family during the pandemic, he still enjoyed frequent phone calls with June; which were reminiscent of their early dating and marriage years. His humor and lightheartedness brightened the lives of many in his family and community. His sense of humor was ever-present and lasted until his last days on Earth.

Don will be remembered by those who knew him as a family man and a true example of a Christian. His love of God led him to serve in many different capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he showed a true ability to love and serve his fellow man in a Christ like way. Don had a talent for teaching and making people feel special. His grandchildren will always remember the tears glistening in his eyes as he taught them of Jesus' love, the importance of service, and of his unfailing love for his family.

Don's earthly mission ended in the early morning hours of June 26, 2021 at the age of 91. He is preceded in death by many loved ones including his beloved son Douglas. He is survived by his wife June Thornton, his sister Dolly Blackburn, his children Christine Wilkins, Don Jr., Robert, and David as well as fourteen grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. His memorial service will be 2 pm July 31 ^st 2021 at the Hanford Chapel on 2400 North 11 ^th Avenue, Hanford California.