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Jeffrey J. Thornton

February 28, 1946 ~ October 4, 2024
Jeffrey James Thornton, 78, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Karen Letton Thornton, of Danville; his daughter Alyssa (Chris) Young of Lexington; his daughter Ashley Thornton of Lancaster; a beloved grandson; his brother-in-law Les (Lynn) Letton; his nephew Patrick (Courtney) Letton and their children Tanner, Eloise, and Oliver. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws Tommy and Eloise Letton, and nephews Jeremy Letton and Blake Letton.
Jeff was born February 28, 1946, in Delano, CA to the late John James and Inez Renee Thornton. His parents were educators in a small rural 4-room schoolhouse. There at Columbine Elementary, Jeff’s mom was the 1st and 2nd-grade teacher, and his dad taught 7th and 8th grade and was the principal. Needless to say, Jeff did not get away with any misbehavior! He always said his parents put pressure on him to be the “model” student.
As a child, he enjoyed horseback riding, 4-H, Boy Scouts, and later Explorer Scouts. Especially memorable to him was a week-long hiking and camping trip in the Sierra Mountains with the Explorer Scouts and leaders. Jeff loved earning badges and later became an Eagle Scout.
For eight summers in a row, he traveled with his grandparents for a 2-week vacation at Lake Tahoe. There they enjoyed the beauty of the area, a small beach, and the glorious mountains surrounding the lake. As an only child, and an only grandchild on his maternal side, his parents and grandparents doted on him. After graduating from high school, Jeff attended college at the University of California at Berkeley where he earned BS and MBA degrees and thoroughly enjoyed his college years. He made many friends, played intramural sports, and enjoyed attending collegiate sporting events.
Jeff’s working career on the West Coast included employment at Kaiser Aluminum in Oakland and then in San Francisco at Dymo Industries. He enjoyed both these jobs and had great mentors. He met Karen in 1976 through mutual friends and they married a year later. They enjoyed time with special friends, exploring San Francisco’s landmarks and restaurants, and camping and hiking around Northern California.
In 1978, Jeff and Karen made a big decision to move to Danville where Jeff joined Karen’s father Tommy, and brother Les in the family’s concrete block business. It was a wonderful decision to relocate as Jeff and Karen came to love living in a small town, being close to family, and making a wide circle of friends through church, work, and community involvement. Jeff’s interest in fitness led him to join the Gwinn Island Striders and he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow runners. Tuesday nights on Gwinn Island Road and Saturday mornings on Bluegrass Pike became his most passionate and fulfilling pastime. Lifetime relationships were forged during long runs and at numerous races in Kentucky and out of state too. Our children became a part of after-race picnics and gatherings making them a family affair.
Jeff’s career took him in 1984 to Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center where he served as CFO and assistant administrator. His final 20 years of employment were spent as executive VP and chief financial officer at Farmers National Bank. Jeff especially enjoyed his years at Farmers. He loved his co-workers and took great pride as he saw younger staff rise and take on greater responsibility. He oversaw the construction of 8 new facilities in 4 counties surrounding Danville.
His focus on what made Danville special created many opportunities for community service. Some of his most enjoyable experiences included the Boyle County Public Library where he was chair of the expansion/renovation of the library which was completed in 2008. Jeff enjoyed serving on the boards of the Art Center of the Bluegrass, Boyle County Literacy Council, various City of Danville steering committees, and Danville City Schools planning and facilities committee. His connectivity to Farmers National Bank spanned 44 years and included service on the Board of Directors prior to, during, and after his retirement.
Jeff was so appreciative of all the local people who accepted and supported him from the very beginning. His former dream of being a Bay Area urbanite fully transitioned to a love of being a Kentuckian.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at The Presbyterian Church on Main Street, with Father Joe Chambers officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.
Memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Episcopal Church in Danville, the Boyle County Public Library, the Art Center of the Bluegrass, or the charity of your choice.
Services
Memorial Service: October 11, 2024 2:00 pm
The Presbyterian Church
500 W Main St
Danville, Kentucky 40422
www.presbydan.org
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2024-10-11 14:00:00
2024-10-11 14:00:00
JeffreyJ.ThorntonMemorial Service
Memorial Service
500 W Main St,Danville, Kentucky 40422
Receiving of Friends: October 11, 2024 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Presbyterian Church
500 W Main St
Danville, Kentucky 40422
www.presbydan.org
Add to My Calendar
America/New_York
2024-10-11 15:00:00
2024-10-11 05:00:00
JeffreyJ.ThorntonReceiving of Friends
Receiving of Friends
500 W Main St,Danville, Kentucky 40422
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Jeffrey J. Thornton 's name.
Boyle County Public Library
307 W. Broadway
Danville,
KY
Community Arts Center
401 W Main St.
Danville,
KY
40422
I was always moved by Jeff’s unhurried approach to communication. He was never in a hurry to leave our conversations, for which I was always grateful. I especially enjoyed our talks about running. He was a kind person and will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
Jeff meant so much to us and it was great to see him the last time we visited. Godspeed, Jeff and “May light perpetual shine upon you.”
Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls! Jeff was a great guy with many talents! He will be missed not only by family but also the Danville community that he served! Love & Hugs!
Jeff was a very considerate, compassionate person. I had worked in admitting (late 80’s) for a year, at 40 hrs per week and still considered part time. After speaking to him, I was placed full time with benefits for the remainder time I was there. He always had a smile for everyone, never heard him speak an unkind word. A very highly respected man.My condolences to his family and friends.
I am so very sorry to learn of Jeff’s passing. I enjoyed serving on the library board with Jeff, and always enjoyed running into him in town, and when you all would come to Pioneer Playhouse. He will be deeply missed in this community. — Heather Henson
Karen …Bill and I are so very sad to learn of Jeff’s passing . He was such a special man who always had a smile. He contributed so much to our community . He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏❤️
I was so saddened when I heard about Jeff. He was such a pleasant person. I knew him mainly from my Gwinn Islander Strider days and the running community in Danville. I ran much slower than him but I enjoyed him being a part of our after running fellowship and social events and getting to know all of you. I’m so sorry for all of you.
So sorry Karen. We had many years of good runs together and he will certainly be missed. Always enjoyed the conversations we had and appreciated his kindness.
Dear Karen and Family,
John and I were so very saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing. Such a tremendous loss to so many — family, friends, and community. We will be out of the state at the time of the Memorial Service, but know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you on that day, and as you continue to adjust to the loss of Jeff’s physical presence. When we think of Jeff, we think of the two of you, together, and what fun you always seemed to have dancing.❤️
Love, Susie & John Roush
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