Joseph Oscar Thornton

Joseph Oscar Thornton, Jr. of Syracuse, Utah died Friday, December 11, 2015, surrounded by his family.  He was 63 years old.

Joe is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children, Ryan (Jessica), Rachel (Josh), Jeremy (Becky), Callie (Seth), Honeylee (Cody), Eric (Amanda), Elyse (Zach), Amy (Ray), Katie (Brady); his mother, Mary; sister, Catherine and brother, Art.  He is also survived by 23 grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his father and granddaughter.

Joe was born on January 23, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas to Joseph Oscar Thornton, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Bryant Thornton. Joe was raised in a military family and in 1970 enlisted in the Army.  He served 10 years in the Army and another 18 as an officer in the Air Force.  He retired from the Air Force as a Major.  After his military retirement, he began working for the state of Utah specializing in emergency management.  Upon retirement from the State, he continued to volunteer for the EMAP (Emergency Management Assessment Program). 

Joe was baptized into the LDS church March 1, 1975.  He married his sweetheart Peggy Ann Rhoades in the Provo Temple September 2, 1977.  He served five overseas tours and raised his family around the world.  Joe enjoyed playing softball, fishing, and spending time with his family.

A Gathering will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2015 from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Syracuse 2nd Ward, 2228 S 1660 W, Syracuse, Utah 84075.  A Graveside Service will follow at 12 pm at the Syracuse City Cemetery, 1250 S 1000 W, Syracuse, Utah.