Cover photo for Rev. Robert S. Thornton's Obituary
Rev. Robert S. Thornton Profile Photo
1933 Rev. Robert 2021

Rev. Robert S. Thornton

June 1, 1933 — June 16, 2021

Rev. Robert S. Thornton, 88, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, after a short illness. Born in 1933, he graduated from Radford High School and served as a medic in the U.S. Army. He served as a minister for nearly 50 years. He was an honorably retired minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Abingdon Presbytery. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helen Lucas, and his parents, W.W. Thornton and Celia Margarite Thornton.  

He is survived by his children, Dr. Jay Thornton, Julie Baldwin and husband Matt Byrd, and Rev. Joel Thornton and wife Denise Laducer; his grandchildren Emily Thornton, Brad Roller, and Erin Tudron; a great-grandson Lucas Roller; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

He is also survived by many friends who are like family, including Violet Reynolds, Dreama Viers, Bill Haga, and Lucille Byrd and family. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with Pastor Jim Walker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands in memory of Rev. Robert Thornton. Donations may be sent to PO Box 545, Wytheville, VA 24382. 

The family of Rev. Robert S. Thornton is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rev. Robert S. Thornton, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Main Street Chapel, Farris Funeral Service

427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210

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