- Date Of Birth: April 1, 1955
- Date Of Death: May 20, 2023
- State: New Mexico
Paul William Thornton, aged 68, of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away on May 20, 2023, after unknowingly battling cancer for at least a year.
Paul was born in Chowchilla, California on April 1, 1955, to his parents, Olen Deward Thornton and Elizabeth Stella Thornton. After graduating from Portales High School in 1974, Paul then went on to begin his working career starting off at Poyner Whites in small engine and car repair in Portales, NM. In 1978 he met his destined love of all time, Sheila Kaye Griffin in Portales, NM. After a brief courtship, they were wed on February 14, 1979, and went on to have three sons, Paul Wayne Thornton, Jonathon Paul Thornton, and Michael Paul Thornton. Paul was forever to be known as “Honey” by all the Griffin family, as he was loved as another son.
Paul had a love for all things mechanical and carpentry. He had the know-how and the ambition to provide his family with a home that was forever expanding and keep the family truckster purring. Paul was always willing to jump in and help family members as well. With four sisters and two brothers of his own and then adding Sheila’s four sisters and two brothers there was always something to be built or fixed.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; Olen Deward Thornton, Elizabeth Stella Thornton; sisters: Brenda Heacock, Veda Stanburry, Linda Cristofferson; and brother Jerry Thornton; and his beloved son Jonathon Paul Thornton.
He is survived by his loving wife: Sheila Kaye Thornton; sons: Paul Wayne Thornton, and Michael Paul Thornton; sister: Eva Blase-Jacobus; brother: Alvin Thornton; grandchildren: Taliah Marih Thornton, Momo Rose Thornton, Eden Thornton, Liam Thornton, Holynn Thornton, Kaileigh Thornton, Riley Thornton, Anna Irwin, Grey Irwin, and Zackary Lott; daughters-in-law: Shuree Thornton and Katie Pinson; former daughters-in-law: Sarah Rodriguez and Kerri Goodgame; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
