John Howell Thornton Sr.


Private graveside services with military honors will be held at Ladner-Muckelrath Cemetery for Mr. John Howell Thornton, Sr., 80, of Hattiesburg, who died Sunday, January 15, 2012, at his residence.
Mr. Thornton retired from Fairchild Construction Company as a shop foreman. He was the founding board member of the North Lamar Water Association. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean War. Mr. Thornton enjoyed deep sea fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Poppy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Zena Phillips Thornton.
Mr. Thornton is survived by his wife, Sallie McDevitt Thornton of Hattiesburg; one son, John Howell Thornton, Jr. (Bethany) of Birmingham, AL; daughter Melinda Johnson (Calvin) of Alexandria, LA; twin daughters Pam Hill (Chip) of Hattiesburg, and Pat Watkins (Tom) of St. Francisville, LA; one sister, Katherine T. Shelton (Jack) of Hattiesburg, thirteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Tuesday at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home.