Carl L. Thornton

December 8, 1940 - December 7, 2020

Carl L. Thornton, age 79 years and 364 days, passed away at Missouri Baptist Hospital on December 7, 2020, after a brief illness. Carl was surrounded with his loving family. Carl was born in East Prairie, Missouri, on December 8, 1940 to the late Louis Evans and Lorene (Graham) Thornton. Carl is survived by his wife of 57 years Bonnie (Harmon) Thornton. Loving father of two daughters, Sheri Schomburg (Brian Hessling) and Kim (Jay) Rovin. Carl was a proud Papa to Brenna and Hannah Schomburg, Mackenzie, Reese and Lainey Rovin. One brother, William (Jan) Thornton, Brother-in-law, Cliff Harmon, niece Karen (Mike) Hoover and nephew, Matt (Amanda) Harmon. A special and dear friend of 70 years Don (Pam) Lloyd. After graduating from High School in 1958, Carl enlisted in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1964. Two years were spent in Germany during his tour of duty. After being discharged from the service, Carl started working evenings at McDonnell Douglas and attended college during the day. Carl graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois with a degree in Economics. He attended graduate school at Washington University and received a certificate in Computer Science. He was employed with McDonnell Douglas and retired after 30 years. After retiring from McDonnell Douglas he worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield and retired in 2001. Carl was raised as a Master Mason in Bridgeton Lodge #80 on 10/11/1962. Making him a 58 year member. He went on to become a 32nd degree Mason of the St. Louis Valley Scottish Rite and the Moolah Shriners. After retirement, Carl and Bonnie bought a home on Table Rock Lake and enjoyed many days with the crappie and new Lake friends. This is where he introduced his Old Fashioned to the neighborhood. Due to COVID-19, a private, gravesite service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17, 1pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life gathering at a date and time yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to go to Shriners Children’s Hospital https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/st-louis or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate.