1957
Bradley
2021
Bradley Ray "Brad" Thornton
April 9, 1957 — January 15, 2021
Bradley Ray Thornton, age 63, of Bates City, Missouri departed this life on Friday, January 15, 2021 at his home surrounded in love by his wife and three sons.
Brad was born April 9, 1957, in Hiawatha, KS to Glen Norman Thornton and Wanda Denise (Caudle) Thornton. His early years were spent living in St. Joseph, MO before his parents moved the family to Kansas City North. He graduated from Oak Park High School in 1975. Brad married Cindy (Leslie) Thornton on November 17, 1979, and they made their home in Independence, MO until they moved to their current home in rural Bates City in 2004. While working full-time and raising a family, Brad completed his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1989 and began his teaching career at the Independence School District until his retirement in 2010.
Brad was an involved dad to his three sons. He enjoyed sharing his love of sports, movies, Billy Joel, the Chiefs, and going out to eat. He coached their teams and never missed a game or school function. As much joy as his sons brought to him over the years, however, it was Brad’s five grandchildren who became the lights of his life. According to him, they were the cutest, smartest, funniest, and most athletic kids to ever live.
Brad was a member of Birchwood Baptist Church in Independence. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy L. Thornton of the home; three sons, Drew (Abbey) Thornton of Kansas City, MO, Cole (Brittany) Thornton of Independence, KS, and Kyle Thornton of Chillicothe, MO; his five grandchildren, Ames, Reid, and Collins Thornton of Independence, KS and Emma and Grace Thornton of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Jeana Reaves of Clinton, MO; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following: The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Hospital (sarahcannon.com) in honor of the great care Brad received during his illness and to further their work; The Great Plains SPCA (www.GreatPlainsSPCA.org) in honor of the love he had for his pets, especially his current buddy, Mason; or Rockhurst University, Theatre Department, Attn: Matthew Schmidli, 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 to benefit the theatre program of a former student.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service will be held for family. Brad will be laid to rest at Courter-Ritchey Cemetery in Troy, KS.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)
Brad was born April 9, 1957, in Hiawatha, KS to Glen Norman Thornton and Wanda Denise (Caudle) Thornton. His early years were spent living in St. Joseph, MO before his parents moved the family to Kansas City North. He graduated from Oak Park High School in 1975. Brad married Cindy (Leslie) Thornton on November 17, 1979, and they made their home in Independence, MO until they moved to their current home in rural Bates City in 2004. While working full-time and raising a family, Brad completed his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1989 and began his teaching career at the Independence School District until his retirement in 2010.
Brad was an involved dad to his three sons. He enjoyed sharing his love of sports, movies, Billy Joel, the Chiefs, and going out to eat. He coached their teams and never missed a game or school function. As much joy as his sons brought to him over the years, however, it was Brad’s five grandchildren who became the lights of his life. According to him, they were the cutest, smartest, funniest, and most athletic kids to ever live.
Brad was a member of Birchwood Baptist Church in Independence. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy L. Thornton of the home; three sons, Drew (Abbey) Thornton of Kansas City, MO, Cole (Brittany) Thornton of Independence, KS, and Kyle Thornton of Chillicothe, MO; his five grandchildren, Ames, Reid, and Collins Thornton of Independence, KS and Emma and Grace Thornton of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Jeana Reaves of Clinton, MO; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following: The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Hospital (sarahcannon.com) in honor of the great care Brad received during his illness and to further their work; The Great Plains SPCA (www.GreatPlainsSPCA.org) in honor of the love he had for his pets, especially his current buddy, Mason; or Rockhurst University, Theatre Department, Attn: Matthew Schmidli, 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 to benefit the theatre program of a former student.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service will be held for family. Brad will be laid to rest at Courter-Ritchey Cemetery in Troy, KS.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bradley Ray "Brad" Thornton, please visit our flower store.
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