George Ray Thornton was born on March 19, 1943, in Jasper County, Missouri, one of nine children to Albert L. and Mary (Stevenson) Thornton.  He entered into rest on November 8, 2024, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 81.

George was a graduate of Joplin High School and had worked as a machinist at Rocketdyne, Teledyne, Saberliner and Premier Turbines.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, farming, and taking care of his cattle.  On September 20, 1963, George and Phyllis (Barker) were united in marriage and she preceded him in death on October 24, 2024.

George is survived by three children, Wanda Scott and husband, James of Neosho, George Thornton and husband, Chris of Rogers, Arkansas and Rebecca Cahalan and husband, Jim of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren, with one due to arrive in 2025, and two brothers, Steve Thornton of Jasper and Donald Thornton.  In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by four sisters, Peggy, Shirley, Mary Ann and Frankie and two brothers, Jack and Albert, Jr.

Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho on Tuesday from 10 am until 12 pm and a graveside service at New Salem Cemetery will be at 1 pm, with John Anderson officiating.