Charles Thornton

MAJ (Ret) Charles Thornton was born October 8, 1922 in Oklahoma to Annie & Henry "Joe" Thornton. He was raised in Coffeeville, AL. His family later moved to Gary, Indiana. Charles graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School class of 1943. He then enlisted in the U.S . ARMY 1943 - 1946. He served his country during (WWII), in the Corps of Engineers, worked on the Burma Road. During his service he was wounded by Japanese gun fire awarded Purple Heart. He later transferred to active ARMY Reserves after separation. In 1952 - 1953 he was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict, injured by a land mine twice during bridge construction and was later awarded a second and third purple heart. He then returned to active U. S. ARMY Reserves after Korea until retirement. Charles rose from Technical Sergeant to the rank of Major during his thirty plus years.  Charles met and married  Helen Penola Yancy,  from this union three (3) children were born. Vera Marie Thornton (1948), Reginald Lee Thornton (1953) and Ronald C. Thornton (1957). Charles was preceded in death by his mother (1954), father (1974), wife (1990), son Ronald (2004), granddaughter Anitra L. Allen (2005), daughter  Vera M. Jackson (2007), nephew Richard Ramsey (2009), sister Samella (Thornton) Ramsey (2011). He leaves to honor his memory, his remaining son Reginald Lee Thornton, Witichta, KS. His devoted, loving, caregiver, and grandson for over six years, Minster Kenneth "Biznessman" Allen Indianapolis, IN, alongside grandchildren Ezell Allen Jr. Rancho Cordova, CA, and Leah Thornton of Witichta, KS. Great-grandchildren Aareck Allen of San Antonio, TX, Arrisa Allen of Merriville, Bryson Allen of Akron,OH, Tera'Shai Williams of Gary, IN, Jayden Allen of Nashville,TN, Jason Reese of Merriville, IN, Kennedi Allen of St, Louis, MO, Jazmyne Thornton of Witicha, KS, and Ezell Jarae Allen of Rancho Cordova, CA,. His extended family, in-laws, work family (U. S. Steel), church families Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church North Indianapolis .  Charles Thornton, age 90, was called home to be with the Lord March 12, 2013. Charles professed faith in Christ at an early age and joined the Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E. B. Robinson, where he served in many capacities until he became ill. Charles was a longtime member of the Calvary Male Chorus.  He spent his final years fellowshipping and attending First Baptist Church North Indianapolis with his caregiver and Grandson under leadership of Dr. Reverend Ivan Douglas Hicks. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan