Donald Edward Thornton

DONALD EDWARD THORNTON, of Calera, AL, passed away on Sunday, June 7 2020, at the age of 83. After several months of declining health, Don died peacefully with his beloved wife Ramona and their children by his side. 

Don was born in Sylacauga, AL on December 27, 1936, to mother Cora Esta Thornton. She later married his beloved stepfather, Henry J Boggs. He was the youngest of three biological siblings and an older brother to a stepsister. He attended Lanier Military Academy in Macon Georgia. Donald didn’t have the opportunity for much formal education after graduation. Instead, his work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the Navy at age 18. Later he joined the work force and retired from LabCorp in 2010.

Throughout his life he served God and worked hard to provide the best life possible for his wife and four daughters. He had a passion for singing and served as worship leader in several churches throughout his life. An avid woodworker, he shared his creativity with his children and instilled in them the importance and value of hard work.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Charles Thornton and sister Marcelle Hutto. He is survived by his wife Ramona Mitchell Thornton;  four daughters/son-laws - Cynthia Diane Dean (Lamar Dean), Kelly Renea Martin (Eric Martin), Miriam Anetta Travis (Charles Travis), and Sherry Gaynell Hollis (John Hollis);  9 grandchildren Caleb, Kristen, Joshua, Ben, Savannah, Michael, Nathaniel, Michaela, and Bethany; 5 great-grandchildren Daniel, Evan, Elisabeth, Julian, and Serenity; sister Patricia Miller and several sister in laws and brother in laws

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 3:00pm from the Shelby Memory Gardens Chapel of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home at 8586 AL Hwy 25 in Calera with Rev. Allen Foster officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in the Shelby Memory Gardens in Calera, AL.

People wishing to honor Donald’s lifelong commitment to family and community should make donations to any Shriner’s hospital or Habitat to Humanity.

He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home at Shelby Memory Gardens of Calera, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com