CHASE — Johnnie K. Thornton, 90, of Chase, passed away Dec. 27, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society, Lyons. He was born Jan. 27, 1928, in Marland, Okla., the son of Otto and Florence Burgill Thornton. He attended Chase High School. Johnnie has resided in Chase since 1949, formerly of Burrton, Kan. At the young age of 17, he was a tank truck driver for Sinclair. In 1985, Johnnie retired as a field pumper for Atlantic Richfield ARCO.  

He was a member of the Shriners, Royal Lodge #192 A.F. & A.M., Lyons, Kan., and a volunteer firefighter. Johnnie was an avid gardener, loved canning, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. On April 16, 1948, Johnnie was united in marriage with Betty A. Clites in Ellsworth, Kan. She preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 1989. On Oct. 13, 2000, Johnnie was united in marriage with Florence E. Eachus Mellott in Ellsworth, Kan. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his two sons, Darren K. Thornton and wife Charla of Paola, Kan., and Steven D. Thornton and wife Sandy of Russell, Kan.; daughter, Sheryl E. Bass and husband Jimmy of Chase; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rosemary Hatcher and Wanda Poole; and son, Johnnie C. Thornton. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons with Johnnie Hardie officiating. Burial will be at Lyons Municipal Cemetery with Masonic rites. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials can be made to Senior Center, Chase; Chase High School; or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Home

214 West Ave S. 

Lyons, KS 67554

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 30, 2018