Forrest Ardin Thornton was born on February 2, 1920, in St Albans, West Virginia. He frequently said, “I have five sisters and each of them has a brother!” At 104, he went home to be with the Lord on June 15, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
When Forrest was 13, he attended a tent revival. After hearing the gospel message, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. The following week, he and his dad were baptized in the Coal River in West Virginia.
Forrest served in World War II in the United States, England, and Europe. He was in four major battles, including “The Bulge.” He received the following medals: the American Defense Service Medal, the European Theater Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. He is the author of Report for Duty, a collection of memoirs of his time in the Army, which he wrote when he was 96 years old.
When Forrest arrived in St. Albans after the war ended, he married his sweetheart, Geraldine, three days later. She wrote him letters faithfully for the four years he was away. They were married for 73 years.
Forrest worked for Union Carbide in South Charleston, West Virginia, as an engineering technician. They transferred him to Houston, where he worked until taking early retirement. He then worked at Texaco until he fully retired.
Forrest’s hobbies included photography and oil painting—his favorite subjects being landscapes with vivid colors. He was an avid amateur genealogist. He enjoyed searching out the heritage of his own family and that of extended family. In his retirement years, he learned the ins and outs of computing and for five years taught other retirees the same at Bayland Community Center. He also enjoyed putting together puzzles.
First and foremost, Forrest loved the Lord and served as an elder at the churches he and his family attended. He took part in Bible Study Fellowship for many years and served as a Child Evangelism Fellowship representative at the national level. Forrest loved music and played the accordion. In church, he and Gerry often sang duets and were affectionately nicknamed “Roy and Dale.”
Following the instruction in Proverbs 22:6, Forrest and Gerry fostered a home environment that invited their children to love and follow the Lord. Each gave their lives to Christ at a young age, and they continue to pursue their relationship with Him.
Forrest is survived by his children: Diane T. Lawrence of Houston, Texas, Lois T. Hauck and her husband Gary of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marilyn Thornton of Houston, Texas, and Timothy F. Thornton and his wife Dianne of Pearland, Texas; grandchildren Heidi Hauck of Holland, Michigan, Greg Hauck of Ada, Michigan, Andrew Hauck and wife Becky of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jared Hauck and wife Rachel of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Max Thornton of Pearland, Texas, Rachel Thornton of Pearland, Texas, and Abby Thornton of Raleigh, North Carolina; great-grandchildren Jacob and Lily Hauck of Ada, Michigan; and many other cherished cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Wood Thornton.
As a Christ-follower, Forrest loved his Bible and had many favorite Scriptures, but the following is a favorite from a few days ago.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28, NIV)
A family funeral with military honors will be held at the Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to KHCB Radio, 2424 South Blvd., Houston, TX 77098.
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