Guymon, Oklahoma – Clifford W. (Cliff) Thornton, 83, longtime Guymon resident, passed away Tuesday evening, September 20, 2016, at Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, Kansas. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children.

The youngest child of Laura (Wilson) and Thomas Thornton, Clifford Wayne was born October 4, 1932 in Galena, Oklahoma. He was married to Beulah D. (Barker) in 1949 and they were blessed with three children. Cliff, a proud patriot and Army Veteran, was decorated with honors in the Korean War. After active duty, he then served in the Army Reserve. He worked as a driller in the oilfield, locally and all over the globe, with Libya, North Africa and Columbia, South America as some of his favorite locations. Cliff was united in marriage to Lora Jayne Johnson on January 3, 1982 in Goodwell. They blended their families and were blessed with many happy years. Cliff was an outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He also loved spending time with his family, especially the grandkids. He also enjoyed visiting during coffee at the truck stop. As a proud veteran, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legions and VFW. Cliff was awarded with a trip to Washington DC on a Military Honor Flight.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lora Jayne; his three children all of Guymon; son, Cary Thornton and wife, Marsha; two daughters, Charla Pierce and husband, Jody; Cathy Henry and husband, John. He is also survived by three step-daughters and spouses, Valerie Rainbolt and Mike Stanford of Tulsa, OK; Bobbi and Kim Young of La Junta, CO; and Vicki and Brad Martin of Marietta, OK; a sister-in-law, Beulah Francis Thornton of Oklahoma City and the mother of his children, Beulah D. Thornton of Guymon.
Cliff was blessed with 20 grandchildren and their spouses, Chris and Nancy Pierce, Josh and Payton Pierce, Avery and Danielle Henry, Candace and Tommy Henry, Levi and Lindy Helm, Keely and Clint Mosby, Preston and Mallory Abbott, Pennie and Ricky Bozarth, Matthew Wilson, Cody Wilson, Montana Rainbolt, Madison Rainbolt, Vanessa and Brad Berry, Jennifer and Abraham Miranda, Toby and Lisa Hamrick; Stephanie Stubby; Anngela and Brent Parker; Kelly Martin, and Rebecca Martin; 25 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Margaret Howard; three brothers, Orla Thornton, Laddie Thornton and Tommy Thornton, and daughter-in-law, Cathy Lynn (Helm) Thornton.

Funeral services will be Saturday morning, September 24th, 10:00 AM at the Henson-Novak Funeral Chapel, 501 NW Fifth, with Cliff’s son-in-law, Pastor John J. Henry, officiating. Military honors will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery.

Viewing will be Friday from noon to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM till 7:00PM. Memorials may be given to Disabled Veterans or Guymon American Legion, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends may sign the online guestbook and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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