Kenny "Gramps" Thornton, age 67, of Archer City, Texas passed away Monday, April 20, 2015, in Olney, Texas.

Military graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at the Archer City Cemetery Pavilion with John Welter, Executive Director of Scarlett Letter Ministries of Wichita Falls, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home.

Kenny was born August 19, 1947 to Wallace B. Thornton and Peggy Lou Humphris Thornton in Wichita Falls, Texas.

During the Vietnam War, Captain Kenny Thornton honorably served his country in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Aviation Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Air Medal for actively participating in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory.

After his tour of duty, he worked in the oilfield in his family business, Circle T. Drilling. He then was the owner and operator of Kenny's Siding and Insulation. However, the job he loved the most, where he was paid well and fed well and would have done for free, was transporting workers to off shore drilling rigs.

He and Vickie were married May 28, 1994 in Wichita Falls.

Kenny was a member of Faith Memorial Baptist Church in Archer City. He loved his grandkids, his dog, "Dog" and his corvette. His most favorite name he was ever given was "Gramps".

Survivors include his wife, Vickie of Archer City; two sons, Patrick Thornton and wife, Katie of Austin, Texas and Josh Smith and wife, Vanessa of Nocona, Texas; one daughter, Kelly Wooldridge and husband, J.H. of Archer City; two sisters, Elaine Thomason and husband, Brett of Dallas, Texas and Sharon Spruiell of Dallas; four grandchildren, Kelci, Kason, Cy and Reece; and special family members, Trace Wood and Bailey Cox, AKA "Fred".

Kenny was preceded in death by his son, Robert Anthony "Robbie" Thornton on November 1, 2009; two sisters, Tamra Holcomb and Walletta Thornton; and one brother, Randy Thornton.

The family suggest memorials to the Archer Service Center, P.O. Box 578, Archer City, Texas 76351.

The family urges anyone who exhibits the symptoms of dementia, to seek medical attention as soon as possible as early detection does make a difference. Also, caregivers should seek the help that is available for them.