Carl Edward Thornton

Carl Edward Thornton, 98, of Fredonia, Kansas, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, June 8, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends. Carl was born to Gerald Minor and Ida Myrtle (Crane) Thornton on January 16, 1925, in the home of his grandparents, in Fredonia, Kansas. Carl attended Cairo School, north of Fredonia and later graduated from Fredonia High School in 1941. Carl worked for Elk Mill until enlisting in the USN, serving on the LCT-1094 out of New York City. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After serving in the military, Carl returned to Fredonia where he met and married Dorothy N. Slater on August 3, 1946. They were married 71 years until Dorothy passed away on September 5, 2017. To this union were born 4 children, Carl Dean Thornton born 1947, who died at the age of 15, Connie Lyn (Earl) Menefee, born 1950, Patricia Ann (Cliff) Hogan born 1957 and Gary Dean (Missy)Thornton born 1965.

Carl worked for Andy Anderson at Western Auto for 10 years before starting his US Postal career. After serving for 4 years as postmaster of Treece, Kansas, the family moved to Neodesha, Kansas for a brief time. From 1980 until his retirement, Carl served as Postmaster at Cherryvale, Kansas. After his retirement, Carl and Dorothy returned to Fredonia, where they made their permanent home.

Carl truly loved his 13 grandchildren. His Great-Grandchildren dubbed him as “Grandpa GREAT”. Carl loved dancing and golf, playing up into his mid-nineties. Carl loved his church home and served whenever he could. He served as Sunday School teacher, Elder, Chairmen of the Board, played guitar in the praise band and filled in for the preacher, when needed. In fact, Carl’s whole life was about serving.

Carl had many friends but in the last few years Brian Rothgeb and Mike Jeffers were the closest. After Dorothy passed, Carl kept on dancing. He met a special friend, Frances Rhoads, who accompanied him to the dances. One special part of his life was “playing for the OLD PEOPLE at the Nursing Home with his friends. He played until he was over 98.

Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00pm at the First Christian Church, 303 North 7th, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.

Memorials are suggested to the Avenue of Flags or the First Christian Church and may be mailed to or left at Wickham Family Funeral Home 510 N. 7th Fredonia, Kansas 66736.