John H. Thornton

John was born August 11, 1952 in Yankton, SD to Walter and Lena (Cook) Thornton, Sr.  John was raised in Yankton and had a large family.  He worked in construction and roofing before health issues prevented him from working.  John attended school in Yankton, Marty and Job Corp.  He was a longtime softball player.

John is survived by his partner of 39 years, Sharon Smith of Yankton, SD; three daughters:  Delena Thornton, Denita Thornton, both of Colorado and Andrea Reed of Sioux Falls, SD; son, James Robert “Jim Bob” Thornton of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters, Rose Blakey of Yankton, SD and Marilyn (Tom) Wright of Norfolk, NE; brother, Marvin Thornton of Sioux Falls, SD; four step-daughters, Brenda, Kim, Jackie and Tracy and 29 nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter Thornton, Jr. William Thornton, Joseph Thorton and Robert Thornton; sisters:  Charlene Stuhlmacher, Deloris Borema, Eleanor Snoozy, Margaret Thornton and Carol Thornton and ten newphews and nieces.