BOMBER MEMORIAL

DANIEL MAURICE "DAN" THORNTON ~ Class of 1967
May 19, 1949 - January 1, 2023



Daniel M. Thornton was born on May 19, 1949, to Faye and Maurice Thornton. He passed away on January 1, 2023, at home after a battle with numerous cancers.

He was a Richland native, attending Marcus Whitman Grade School, Carmichael Junior High and graduating with the Class of 1967 from Richland's Columbia High School.

After graduation, he held a number of jobs until he was hired at Hanford in graphics/reproduction services. He transferred into the Laboratory as a Chemical Technician and retired as the Facility Operations Manager of the Waste Sampling and Characterization Facility.

He was married to Dinah Johnson Thornton with whom he had two sons. He later married Mary Call and gained a stepson.

Dan is survived by his sisters, Kathy ('71) (Rod) Burton and Janeen ('73) (Scott) Dabling; his sons, Gregory ('89) (Debbie) Thornton and Kyle ('95) (Arteka) Thornton; the mother of his children, Dinah Thornton; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his best friend and companion, Kay Kunnap.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Faye and Maurice; sister, Marilyn Tews ('64); and wife, Mary.

Dan loved riding his motorcycle, “glamping” in his motorhome with his best friend, Kay, and family members and playing Bingo. He was a supporter of the Moose Fraternity and a longtime member.

The family would like to thank Cold War Patriots for all their help during the past two years. A special thanks to a special lady who will remain forever in our hearts for her friendship and dedication to our brother, being his best friend for the past five years and taking excellent care of him during his illness. Thank you, Kay, for all your love and support. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at Einan's Funeral Home.

Written by Dan for the 40-year reunion in 2007:

"In June 2006, Dan retired from Hanford after working 37 years. During that time, Dan worked in the Analytical Laboratories of Purex, 222-S. He worked at the Waste Sampling and Characterization Facility first as a chemical technologist and then in Management for many years. Dan says he ran into old classmates working at Hanford over the years. He worked with Jon Boisoneau for a few years at the 222-S Lab.

Dan has two sons. They are a great source of pride for him. Both boys are also Richland High Bomber Alumni.

Dan and his wife, Mary, live in Richland with their two cats, Jack and Duchess. The cats seem to be in charge of the daily activities of the household."

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).