Bobby Thornton
On Sunday, December 22, 2019, Robert Anthony ‘Bobby’ Thornton left this earth to be with his Lord and savior. Born October 14, 1934, to Bob Thornton and Ima Wingate Thornton, Bobby spent his life in Southeast Texas as a real cowboy. He married his sweetheart, Betty Jean Keneson Thornton, and spent all his days in the rice fields and tending to his cattle.
Bobby could never travel somewhere without seeing someone he knew, whether it was from his rodeoing days or from his years of travel to numerous cattle auctions. Known by many as the ‘Mayor of Fannett’ Bobby was a permanent fixture at Green Acres Grocery where he spent much time visiting with friends and strangers alike. If he just met you, by the end of the conversation, he’d likely know your life story. He often said “I would rather have a million friends than a million dollars. If I was ever down and out and needed money, I know I could count on each friend to lend me a dollar.”
As devout Catholics, Bobby, along with his wife, Betty Jean, served their church, St. Mary’s in Fannett, for many years.
Nothing made him prouder than his family. His only daughter, Candy Thornton Melancon, and her husband, Gary Melancon had two kids, Ginger and Travis. Whether it was the gym, ball field or rodeo arena, if the kids were involved, you could bet Bobby would be there supporting his family and visiting with everyone in the community.
Bobby was preceded in passing by his wife, Betty Jean Thornton; brother, Andy Thornton; and parents, Ima Thornton and Bob Thornton.
He is survived by his daughter, Candy Melancon and her husband, Gary; his granddaughter, Ginger Crowder and her husband, Brandon, and their girls, Kasey Nalley and Karley Crowder; his grandson, Travis and his wife, Ashley; and great-grandchildren, Colt and Millie; his sister, Marilyn Thornton Adams and her husband, Gilbert; and sister-in-law, Lounette Thornton; “chosen” sisters, Barbara Ann Blanchard and Joyce Fay Sewell; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A gathering of Mr. Thornton’s family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2019, in the Parish Hall of St. Mary Catholic Church, 9894 Gilbert Road, Fannett. His interment will follow at the Thornton Family Cemetery, Fannett. A reception will follow at Broussard Farm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Texas Independent Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship, P.O. Box 146, Hamshire, Texas 77622.
Video
Thornton Family Cemetery
Thornton Family Cemetery
- 13034 Thornton Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77705
Mass of Christian Burial
Mass of Christian Burial
- 9894 gilbert road beaumont tx 77705
- 12/27/2019
- 11:00 am
Rosary
Rosary
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 12/26/2019
- 6:00 pm
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 12/26/2019
- 5:00 pm
Comments
Wayne & Stacy Wilber
So sad to hear of Bobby’s passing. He was such a good man. Always with a smile and a helping hand. Peace be with the Thornton family in this time.
Simina Blanchard
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man. He would always wave at me on the road. Sending prayers to you and your family
Jeffrey and Sheri Jenkins
We were very sad to hear the news about Bobby. He was the sweetest man and I am sure he has gone to a much better place. Prayers to his family.
Roland & Jeanette Weekly
Sincere Condolences to The Thornton Family!
Rhonda and James(Pete) Theal
We are so very sorry. He was truly a great man.
Duffy & Kathy Breaux
Dear Thorton family , We are so sad to hear of Bobby’s passing ! Bobby always had a great smile on his face and true friend to all that knew him! God has received a good one !
David Mitchell
Bobby was a great man. We will miss him dearly
Mazie & Donald East
I am sorry to hear of Bobby's passing! He was a lifelong friend and will be greatly missed. Prayer for all the family!
Jim and Greta Walsh
Candy and family. Our condolences on the passing of your father. My apologies for not being able to attend his funeral but know e are with you in prayer for your family. Bobby was a fine man and I know a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed.
Patricia Johnson Joseph
So very sorry for your loss.He was a great man.He will be missed by many.May God be with you all through this time and may you all find comfort in your memories of him.
Rosie Devillier Hearn
I am so sad to hear of Bobby's passing - he was a great friend. The Thornton Family has lost another treasure. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless each of you.
Rose Marie Elkins Hester
I know Bobby will be missed in our community. He was the first man who asked me to marry me I was 5 years old and he was a senior and a cowboy riding a horse I'll remember it all my life. God bless the family.
Michelle Alford Rasa. “ sissy”
Candy. I’m so sorry for your loss. A lot of my fondest childhood memories include your mom and dad. It was great to be a kid in Fannett and you were all like family. I love you you’ll always be a rodeo queen in my eyes ,! Big hugs. Your dad was one of a kind. Glad I got a big hug from him recently. We will all see them again. !
Harold Thibodeaux
Great man and will be missed.l am very sorry for y’all’s loss .
Teresa Taylor
I am so very sorry for your loss! He was a great man! Heaven has gained a truly wonderful man!
Teresa Taylor
I am so very sorry for your loss! He was a great man! Heaven has gained a truly wonderful man!
Cotton and Georgie Dodge
He will be missed by so many. A great friend.
Clay and Stacy Rollins
Candy, very sorry to hear of your Dad passing! I always loved talking to him and seeing his smile!
Joe & Valerie Jordan
Candy, I'm not sure if you saw my text on Sunday or not, but Valerie and I heard about your dad's passing from Belva Ann when we arrived at her house that evening. My heart aches for you and your family. Bobby was one of a kind. Fannett lost a very good man on Sunday, but somehow I know they're having a hoot in heaven this week with Bobby there. Our prayers are with you and your family. I wish we could have stayed down long enough to be there for the Rosary last night and the funeral today, but know that we're praying for you all and will miss him dearly. Love you!
Corky and Betty Peebles
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
E.C. LARKIN
I am very proud and honored to be one of Bobby"s million friends. God Bless