Howard Ray Thornton

Capt. Howard Ray Thornton, 77, of Huntington, WV died at home surrounded by family on January 15, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. May he rest in peace. He leaves behind his devoted wife Kathryn, his loving children Donald L. (Julie) of Xenia, OH, Dr. Raymond H. (Chip) of Yorktown Heights, NY, and Georgia N. (Terry) Porter, of Huntington. He also is survived by his precious grandchildren, Aaron L. (Stephanie) and Kristen Thornton of Xenia, OH, and Kathryn B. Thornton of Huntington. Howard also leaves his sweet great-grandchildren Abigail and the soon-to-be born Bryce Thornton of Xenia, OH. A veteran of the Korean War (82nd Airborne), he worked for the Ohio River Company and held the post of Port Captain at the time of his retirement. He was a member of Hickory Chapel United Methodist Church in Flatrock, WV, where he and his family made their home for many years. He was a beloved husband and father. He is survived by sisters Evalee McKinney and Maxine Hatfield; a brother, Gerald Thornton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Raymond and Ethel Thornton; brothers, Johnny Thomas, Garald Thornton, and Larry Thornton; and sisters, Katherine Thornton, Eileen Clonch, Iona Miller, and Macel Stone. The family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to Arlene Smith and John-Paul Gwilliams, and his hospice team--Mickey Newsome, Raymond Aliff, Yanet Paredes, Jo Ghiz, Margie Copley, Tim Beech, Clarice Kumlein, Matt Snyder, Dr. Scott Mitchell and Dr. Jane Kurucz who helped the family provide Dad loving care and comfort during his battle. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in Letart, WV, with military graveside rites given by the West Virginia Honor Guard and American Legion Post No. 23 of Point Pleasant. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to Hospice of Huntington, P. O. Box 464, Huntington, WV 25701 Online condolences may be made at www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.