Johnnie K. Thornton

Johnnie K. Thornton, 90, of Chase, passed away December 27, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society, Lyons. He was born January 27, 1928 in Marland, Oklahoma, the son of Otto and Florence Burgill Thornton. He attended Chase High School. Johnnie has resided in Chase since 1949, formerly of Burrton, KS. At the young age of 17, he was a tank truck driver for Sinclair. In 1985, Johnnie retired as a field pumper for Atlantic Richfield ARCO. He was a member of the Shriners, Royal Lodge #192 A.F. & A.M., Lyons, KS, and a volunteer firefighter. Johnnie was an avid gardener, loved canning, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. On April 16, 1948, Johnnie was united in marriage with Betty A. Clites in Ellsworth, Kansas. She preceded him in death on October 27, 1989. On October 13, 2000, Johnnie was united in marriage with Florence E. Eachus Mellott in Ellsworth, KS. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his two sons, Darren K. Thornton and wife Charla of Paola, KS, and Steven D. Thornton and wife Sandy of Russell, KS; daughter, Sheryl E. Bass and husband Jimmy of Chase; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rosemary Hatcher and Wanda Poole; and son, Johnnie C. Thornton. Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons with Johnnie Hardie officiating. Burial will be at Lyons Municipal Cemetery with masonic rites. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyon with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Memorials can be made to Senior Center, Chase; Chase High School; or Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.