William Lee Thornton

William Lee Thornton, “Willie”, was born February 13, 1949, in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to William Edward Thornton and Hester Farrow. William departed this life unexpectedly on July 14, 2026, following a motor vehicle accident, at the age of 77 years.

His family finds comfort in the knowledge that William was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and reunited with his beloved wife, Linda Baker, and daughter, Mary Melissa Garcia. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you…I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14: 1-3)

He was preceded in death additionally by his parents, William Thornton and Hester Farrow; his sister, Oma Lee Thornton, and brother, Jerry Gregg.

William was a roofer by profession for over 40 years, and was very accomplished and respected in his field. He was an avid sports fan, who especially loved following the Wagoner Bulldogs, OU Sooners, and Chicago Bulls. He also loved being outdoors, spending much of his spare time hunting, fishing, or on the Illinois River with his wife Linda.

His family and friends will forever cherish his memory; dearly missing his quirky, prankster personality and his loving, generous spirit. Survivors include his three sisters, Dorothy (Tiny) Coffman, Cora Lee Rankins, and Rose Whitaker; his daughter and son-in-law, Bob Blanchette; two grandsons, Jake Blanchette and Stone Blanchette; two granddaughters, Brittnie Garcia and Breonna Cooper; son-in-law Mario Garcia; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate William “Willie”’s life on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11 am at the Community Gospel Center, 1686 Highway 62 East in Fort Gibson, OK 74434.