David Thornton was an accomplished musician, a joyful entertainer, and a storyteller of the best kind. He passed away peacefully while sleeping in his favorite chair, on March 9th, 2022, at the age of 77.
David was born December 14th, 1945, to Roy and Beatrice Thornton in Pineville, Louisiana. There he grew up with an abundance of childhood adventures with his cousins, especially Robert, that fueled the beginning of a lifetime of elaborate stories. These tales, tall or true, were a trademark of David that his children, grandchildren, and beloved family will sit and tell again and again for generations long after him.
Some of his favorite childhood memories were of his time spent with Bumbo and Pop, roaming the fields with the freedom of a Louisiana country boy. His love of the outdoors and exploring that he experienced there became a deep part of him that he enjoyed and followed his whole life.
At a young age he learned to play the piano and found that not only did he enjoy it but it came naturally to him. Which, unknowingly at the time would lead to an accomplished career and even more adventures he'd get to share with his wife and children. At age 14, he not so gracefully met Linda in the small town of Longville, LA. And a young love started with a kick in the shin. Over many years of families moving and being separated they managed to find each other time and again.
In 1964, at age 19, David joined the United States Marine Corp., and became a decorated Sergeant. He served overseas in the Vietnam War, as an aircraft mechanic. There he got a taste of travel and adventure, and on an R and R leave, in which he always spoke of with awe in the beauty of the land he saw. He took a train and traveled to Thailand, Malaysia and Japan, where he bought Linda a doll that she still has.
In 1967, he took leave and went home to marry Linda, in Beaumont, Texas. From there he was stationed in Yuma, Arizona until he left the Marines in 1968. In 1969, on their 2nd anniversary Alecia was born. Two years later, in 1971, Robert was next. After the Marine Corp David had many unique jobs including an herb farmer. But eventually would take his music to a professional level. This endeavor took him and his little family all over the country. In Breckenridge Colorado he was given the opportunity to record an album. His budding career took him and his family to Alaska on several occasions but always made their way back to Texas. Eventually he made his way to Shepard. Where he bought some land next to the house his parents built. He and Linda cleared the forest, and through sweat and tears built a house with their own two hands. In 1982, Chrissy was born and a few months later decided to make the move to North Texas, in Garland. There near Dallas he made his life how he wanted. He played music and sang at night, made his own hours, traveled as much as he could, and took on any hobby his heart desired. Most of which included ham radio, electronics and of course exploring. And in 1997 he decided to tune pianos instead of playing them for a living. In the last years of his life he found his way back to the country, in Quitman, Tx. There he and Linda enjoyed their wood burning stove, music and laughter, hand in hand as they've always been meant to.
David lived life on his own terms, and he did it with passion, creativity, laughter, and love. He loved to laugh and whether you thought it was funny or not you laughed too because his jovial laugh was so infectious. He found joy in spreading that laughter to others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda of 54 years; three children Alecia, Robert, and Chrissy and 15 grandchildren, as well as cherished sisters and cousins that will all mourn his passing.