David Ray Thornton, 80, passed away on Feb. 29, 2016.

He was a steadfast anchor for his wife and family and will be dearly missed until we see him again.

David was born May 27, 1935, to Lee and Grace Thornton in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, where he spent his childhood. He was the eldest of three children.

On March 16, 1956, he married Marion Thornton in Denver. The two enjoyed 60 years together and raised three children.

David was skilled at whatever he put his hand to. He worked as a painting contractor, but was always improving his surroundings by remodeling and landscaping both for himself and for others. He had a strong work ethic and imparted that to others.

He loved traveling, photography and gardening. He played piano and loved jazz music. He had an avid interest in life and the world.

In 1956 he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Serving Jehovah God and helping others to learn about him was very important to David. One thing he shared with others is the beautiful Bible promise of a resurrection of the dead to life on a paradise earth.

“For the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,” John 5:28.

David and Marion’s children include Timothy Thornton and his wife Adriana of Kalispell, Loreen Rickert and her husband David of Kalispell, and Charlette Padilla and her husband Vince of Bigfork. They have 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 100 Valley View Court, Kalispell, with a reception following.