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Friday, October 7, 2005
Funeral services for Chester James Thornton will be held Friday October 7, 2005 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Hominy, Oklahoma with Rev. Don Lehman and Rev. Bill Bowman officiating. Bull will be at the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery with full Masonic Rites performed by the Hominy Masonic Lodge #215. Military Honors will also be performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars 5th District Rifle Squad. Funeral services are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc. in Cleveland, Oklahoma.
Chester was born March 13, 1915 in Springer, Oklahoma near the south side of the Arbuckle Mountains. At the age of 14 Chester moved from home and began working in the Coal Mines of Texas. He soon started working on the Drummond Ranch for F.G. Drummond breaking horses and cowboying in the early 1930Ãs. On September 16, 1940 Chester joined the local National Guard Unit in Hominy as a member of the Battery D 160th F.A. of the 45th Division. Battery D was activated in to service and was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. They were later moved to Camp Barkley, Texas. After his discharge from the National Guard, Chester tried to re enlist into the 45th Division but to no avail.
On April 2, 1942 Chester was drafted into the Army 90th Division. He was assigned to Headquarter Company 915th Field Artillery. Chester was then sent to Camp Barkley, Texas and later to the Arizona Desert for Desert Training. He soon was taken by train to Fort Dix, New Jersey and shipped out from Camp Kilmer, New York headed to England. Upon his arrival Chester was trained in amphibious maneuvers in Wales.
On June 6, 1944 known to many as D Day, Chester was the 3rd Army that stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. He witnessed many men killed as well as wounded including his company commander being killed in action. ChesterÃs Military Occupation Specialty was Scout/Forward Observer. He was truly an expert in directing artillery and mortar shells from the surface, but also from the air in a small two seat observation plane to the Fire Direction Center.
With the 90th Division and losing many men, Chester was transferred several different units. Chester encountered terrible hedge rows of Normandy. He was also in Northern France and in the attempt to cross the Rhine River. His battles also include those of Metz and one of the most famous the Battle of the Bulge the largest in the U.S. ArmyÃs history. He later led a advancement into Belgium where he was wounded in action on January 31, 1945.
As a scout and forward observer, Sergeant Thornton was included in many reconnaissance meetings which would include General George S. Patton as well as Field Marshal Montgomery. Sergeant Chester Thornton was regarded as a outstanding forward observer and soldier. He was awarded many citations and decorations which include: EAME Theater Ribbon, Three Bonze Stars with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart and the American Defense Service Ribbon.
Sgt. Chester Thornton was honorably discharged on May 12, 1945 from the United States Army. Upon his return to the United States he helped the war effort by encouraging the sell of war bonds at the local rallies.
In April of 1946 Chester was united in marriage to Mildred LaVerne (Jones) in the First Christian Church in Hominy. They made their initial home in Strom a small community between Pawhuska and Fairfax while continuing to work for the DrummondÃs. In the early 1950Ãs Chester and Mildred moved to a small ranch near Hominy where he began working in the oil field. Shortly there after they made their permanent home on a ranch West of Ramona where he began working for the County of Osage. Chester could also be found working the alleyÃs of the sale barn in Hominy as well.
Chester was a former member of the Avant School Board for over 5 years. Chester was also a very active part of the Osage County 4-H which would include the Osage County Live Stock Show. After the death of his wife Mildred; Chester was unite in marriage to his longtime friend Nadine L. (Burkhart) Moore on July 8, 1993 in Hominy, Oklahoma. At that time Chester and Nadine moved to Hominy where he has continued to live for over 10 years.
Chester was a member of the Masonic Lodge #215 in Hominy, the American Legion Post #142 and the First United Methodist Church in Hominy, Oklahoma.
Chester James Thornton passed away at his home in Hominy, Oklahoma Tuesday afternoon October 4, 2005 at the age of 90 years 6 months and 21 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives Mildred on September 26, 1992, Nadine on September 24, 2004, five brothers Joe Thornton, Newte M. Thornton, Austin Thornton, Andrew Thornton, Roy Thornton, two sisters Annie Turner, and Oma Christian.
Surviving are his daughter and son in law Brenda and E.W. Carter of Hominy, Oklahoma, granddaughter Christie Garrett of Hominy, Oklahoma, grandson James C. Garret and his wife Kandace, granddaughter Melinda of Hominy, Oklahoma, two great grandchildren Jillian Cate and James Colt as well as numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
Visit and online Life Legacy Tribute, obituary and guestbook for Chester Thornton at www.chapman-black.com.
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