Robert D. Thornton, died Saturday July 12, 2014 in Clinton. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Wednesday at Wright and Ferguson in Clinton followed by graveside services in Lakewood Memorial Park.

Mr. Thornton was born September 11, 1940 in his grandmothers house in Clinton. He attended Vicksburg and Clinton schools before graduating in 1958 from Clinton High School. He then attended Mississippi State University where he graduated with a degree in Geology. While at State he learned to be a pilot in the ROTC program and later served in the Army during the Vietnam War earning the Distinguished Flying Medal. After his discharge from the Army, he became a pilot with Pan American Airlines where he worked for many years until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marie Thornton one son, Geoffrey Thornton and three granddaughters, Saige, Chance and Storey. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Sabrina Smith, his hospice aide, for all her loving care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.