George Watson Thornton III

George Watson Thornton, III, age 81, of Austin, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, after a long battle with dementia. He was born on August 7, 1933, in Austin, Texas, to George W. Thornton, Jr. and Clara A. Walker.

He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother, Richard Ellison Thornton Sr.

and half brother, Malley Thornton.

He is survived by his loving wife Marlene of 47 years. They met in July and married on October 21, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He is survived by his children; Scott Richard Thornton, Travis Jonathan Thornton and wife, Judy, and Georgia Lee Duke; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Also survived by his half sister Teri Thornton, sister-in-law, Mary E. Thornton, nephew Richard E. Thornton, Jr. and wife Michelle, and daughter Summer Thornton.

George graduated from Austin High School in 1952 and spent twelve years in the USAF and USMC in Korea. George was devoted to his family and loved scuba diving, fishing, and camping. Enjoyed OTR truck driving, Lawson hardware salesman and Leif Johnson Ford courier. His greatest joy was studying the Bible and learning the earth will be restored to a paradise condition with no more wars and violence and death will be no more. He was baptized in March 1970 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was active in the Windsor Hills Congregation in Austin.

The family would like to thank the staff at University Village, Round Rock, and Legend Oaks Healthcare, Austin, for their quality care.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Austin Humane Society, 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752.

On Saturday, March 28, 2015, at 1:30 P.M. a public memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 9010 Capitol Drive, Austin. Reception to follow at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. The family invites all to attend.