On Friday, March 5,2021, Duane B. Thornton, loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his Broken Arrow OK home shortly after marking his 91st birthday. Duane was born February 28, 1930 in Tulsa, OK to Dwight and Allene "Pete" Thornton and stayed in Tulsa county most of his life. Duane enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and served overseas three years in Special Demolitions, earning Staff Sergeant Thornton The National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medal upon his honorable discharge November 1954. He graduated from Tulsa University with a degree in history and attended TU Law. He retired from Allstate Insurance after over 30 years as a personal injury, property, and catastrophe adjuster. Married to Evelyn McKim Thornton March 26, 1960, they were just weeks short of their 61st wedding anniversary. In their wedding album Evelyn noted "Duane gave me my lovely ring at a Pioneer Party, December 18, 1959. At that party Santa Claus was very good to me and his helper, whom I adore, has continued this goodness."
Duane was preceded in death by his father, Dwight, his mother, Allene and a granddaughter, Kayla Ferrante. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his children, Diane Thornton and Andy Thornton (Roxanne Thornton), his grandchildren, Maxwell Thornton-Leonard, William Thornton-Leonard and Hunter Thornton his sister Nan Brainerd Rhodes, and two nieces and several nephews.
Duane was a passionate hunter from an early age and provided game birds, venison and fish for his family, ultimately passing his love of his Cherokee heritage, wildlife, conservation, hunting and firearms down to his children and grandchildren. His hunting buddies and fishing trips are stuff of family lore and he cherished those times waiting for the perfect shot. He began his outdoor life at his father's side in Boy Scouts of America achieving Vigil Honor in Order of the Arrow (??????) and Eagle Scout later ending his BSA career with them early in his married life as staff member, but supported the philanthropic efforts of Indian Nations Council through the Shooting Stars sporting clay invitational where his marksmanship was highly sought after and his team consistently placed in the top. Next to his side throughout his life was a gun dog. If you knew Duane, you knew his dog. On the field or walking through the neighborhood he was most often accompanied by a Brittany Spaniel and on the death of his last dog, he took great comfort in his daughter's service dog, asking if the dog could get on his bed and, resting his hand comfortably on the dog's head, he began transitioning. His last responses were to the sound of his wife's loving voice, his children and grandchildren's voices and the comfort of a dog. We are better for having him on this earth.
There will be a private graveside service at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233