Bluford Thornton

Bluford Ash Thornton was born August 18, 1933, in Pecos, Texas to Mary Wilson and William Bluford "Blue" Thornton. After his birth his father became known as "Daddy Blue" and he became known as "Little Blue". Blue was the oldest of five children. After graduating High School in Kerrville, Texas from the Shriner Military Institute in 1951, he then entered New Mexico A & M in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1955. Blue served as a pilot for the United States Air Force until 1958, where he was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland and flew a F89-D All Weather Interceptor. After finishing up his military career he worked for the Texas A &M Health Commission and then was an extension agent for the United Pueblo Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. In 1966 Blue came back to the ranch in Pyote.
Being 3rd generation to live and grow up on the family ranch he wanted to raise his children on the ranch as well. The love of his life was being a cowboy and working on that ranch, from working cattle, checking waterings and just making sure everything was in order, Blue made a good living riding a mule and there wasn't anyone that could do it much better. When Blue was ever asked about his life he would say that "He lived for today, don't have time to worry about tomorrow."
He also served on the Board of Directors at First National Bank and Security Bank of Monahans and he was a very big supporter in the local 4H programs in Ward and Winkler County for many years.
He has lived a very unique and amazing life, full of adventure and experiences that most only dream of. As a family, we will continue this legacy to the best of our ability.
Survived by Linda Sue O'Dell of Monahans, Tx, daughter Debbie Slaughter of Pyote, Texas and son Jimmy Thornton of Cresson, Texas, his brother Jim Thornton and wife Mary Ann of Santa Fe, NM, brother Gene Thornton and wife Barbara of Hillsboro, NM, sister Genora Canon and husband Gary of Roswell, NM.
Granddaughter-in-law Kama Slaughter of Wink, Tx, granddaughter Casie Granado and husband Joseph of Gardendale, TX, Dakotah Barnett and granddaughter Cayla Slaughter of Wink, Tx grandson Tate Slaughter and wife Claire of Mule Creek, NM, granddaughter TyAnn Slaughter of Pyote, TX and 13 great grandchildren.
Blue was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Bill Thornton and his grandson Coby Slaughter.

Visit our website harkeyfunerals.com to sign the guestbook or leave a personal note for the family.

Visitation

Viewing

Harkey Funeral Home
210 S. Allen
Monahans, TX  79756
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
9:00 AM ~8:00 PM

Visitation

Harkey Funeral Home
210 S. Allen
Monahans, TX  79756
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
6:00PM ~ 8:00PM

Service

Funeral Service

First Baptist Church
504 S Alice Ave
M, TX  79756
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
10:00AM

Cemetery

Monahans Memorial Cemetery
4th and Helen
Monahans, TX  79756