Dale LeRoy Thornton, the son of Russell Anton and Thelma Lucille (Most) Thornton, was born on a farm near Elliott, IA on May 13, 1930. He died at the Parsons House in Omaha, NE on Saturday, January 27, 2017 at the age of 87 years, 8 months, and 22 days.

Dale attended school at Griswold and worked for Thornton Transfer. On November 7, 1951, he was united in marriage to Clara May Hopkins in Clarinda, IA. Three children were born to this union: Daryl Lee, Nancye Dale, and Sara Lynn. Dale was drafted into the Army, where he served as a military policeman in Korea during the war. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Griswold. After the sale of Thornton Transfer, Dale began Thornton Moving and Storage. Clara May died May 17, 2012. Dale owned and operated Thornton Moving and Storage for over fifty years, before slowing down. Dale lived in Griswold until two and a half years ago when he moved to Omaha.

Dale was a member of the Griswold United Methodist Church and the Griswold American Legion, where he had served as commander. Dale was gifted at woodworking and could make anything that you asked him to make.

Dale is preceded in death by his wife Clara May; his son Daryl; his parents; his brother Maurice Wayne Thornton; and his close friend Annette Jenkins.

He is survived by his children: Nancye Hasiak and husband Tim and Sara Keim and husband Mike, both of Omaha, NE; his daughter-in-law Diana Thornton of Beaumont, TX; nine grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Griswold United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Griswold Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday evening from 5-7 PM at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.