Doris Clowell Thornton

Doris Clowell Thornton departed from this world on February 17, 2013 at NHC Healthcare, Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 19, 1920 in the Zanoni, Missouri area to Fred and Liddie Freeman, the sixth of eight children.

She married Claud Otis Thornton in 1939, and he preceded her in death in 1969.

Doris lived the majority of her married life at Dora, Missouri. She was a homemaker and also worked in the family businesses of the Dora roller skating rink, and the Dora Post and Pole Mill as the bookkeeper. She enjoyed working outside in her vegetable and flower gardens, crocheting, knitting, sewing, and drawing. In March of 2010 she moved to Neosho, Missouri to live near her daughter where she resided at the Gran Villas assisted living facility, and was able to live there until June 2012 when it was necessary for her to be at NHC Healthcare. She was a member of the church of Christ and worshiped with the Ball Church of Christ at Dora, Missouri, and attended the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Neosho when her health would allow. Her main love was her family and she always looked forward to times when they could be together.

She is survived by two sons and a daughter, Jay Thornton and wife Evelyn, Dora; Ron Thornton and wife Waunda, Vienna, Missouri; Brenda Thornton Kimbrough and husband John, Neosho; grandchildren Amy Thornton, Jason Thornton and wife Shawnda, Alyssa Thornton McCoy and husband Ben, Brandon Thornton, Natalie Thornton Martin and husband David, Elizabeth Thornton Rollins and husband Josh, Sarah Kimbrough James and husband Tim, and Matthew Kimbrough and wife Ashley; great-grandchildren Audie, Creighton, Ella, Ethan, Karcyn, Grace, David, Cooper and Colton; sister Monna Farmer; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by a grandson, Kirk Thornton, two brothers, four sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Carter Funeral Home, West Plains, Missouri on February 23 at 2:00 p.m. with David Shipley officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 on February 23 preceding the memorial services at Carter’s. Burial of cremains will be at the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. All arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home.

Memorial donations in memory of Doris can be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Carter Funeral Home, 1316 Porter Wagoner Blvd., West Plains, Missouri 65775.