Robert Earl Thornton Sr., 83, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on Oct. 23, 2026. He was born on Aug. 10, 1943, in Dayton, Texas, to his parents, D.K. Thornton Sr. and Zula Gibbs Thornton.
Robert spent most of his life in Dayton, where he built a life centered around hard work, family, and the outdoors. He was a member of Kenefick Southern Baptist Church and a man who appreciated the simple things in life. Throughout the years, Robert worked alongside his father in the logging business and later worked at Southwestern Road Boring. He also enjoyed raising cattle, a pastime that reflected his love for the country way of life.
An avid outdoorsman, Robert found great joy in hunting and fishing, especially spending time along the Trinity River. One of his favorite pastimes was coon hunting with his beloved black and tan hounds. Whether he was tending to his cattle, spending a day on the river, or following his dogs through the woods, Robert was happiest enjoying the outdoors and the life he knew so well.
Above all else, Robert loved his family. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He treasured the time spent with each generation and took great pride in the family he helped build. His love for his family, hardworking spirit, and the many memories made throughout his life will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, D.K. Thornton Sr. and Zula Gibbs Thornton; and his siblings, Ruth Thornton Morse, Sybil LeBlanc, D.K. Thornton Jr., Hullan Thornton, and Evelyn Enloe.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, LaNell Westcott Thornton; his son, Robert Earl “Robby” Thornton Jr. and wife Paula; his daughter, Tamara Noack and husband Keith; his brother, James Earnest “Jimmy” Thornton; and his sister, Mary Pennington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Halee Byars and husband Danny, Kent Noack and Dixie, Darrel Noack and wife Rachel, Heath Thornton and wife Misty, Audra Gault and husband Tim, and Douglas Thornton; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Byars and Xander, Hayden Byars, Reid Noack, Kolt Noack, Carsyn Noack, Brady Noack, Emmitt Gault, Hadley Thornton, and Robert Earl Lane Thornton; and his great-great-grandchild, Johnny Wayne Hebrank; along with numerous other relatives and dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, with Pastor Tony Current officiating. Burial will follow at French Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kent Noack, Darrel Noack, Rodney Wurz, Hayden Byars, Cody Thornton, and Heath Thornton. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Gray and Robert’s great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to thank Horizon Hospice for the excellent care they provided.