Newell Arnold Thornton was born in Formosa, KS on Jan. 1, 1925 to Bill and Lucille Thornton.
The family moved from Kansas to Crookston and later to Valentine. Their home was near a highway and Newell and his mother spent many hours on the porch watching traffic. Newell loved to look at books, especially Christmas books. He also enjoyed playing marbles and checkers. His disability kept him from doing many activities.
When Newell's mother passed away he lived with his father for a short time. He then moved to Pine View Good Samaritan Center where he lived for 13 years. In 1993 he moved to Blue Valley care home in Hebron, NE where he passed away on May 15, 2016. His heath remained good until 2015.
Newell was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Virgil of Ainsworth and Calvin (Cork) of Valentine; niece, Barbara Kriz of Hemingford and uncle, Herman Turner of Valentine. He is survived by Kevin (Joyce) Thornton of Valentine, Larry (Jan) Randell of KS, Virginia Lower of WY, Craig Thornton of Valentine, Gladys (Jim) Lurz of Ainsworth, Darlene Thornton of Valentine. Also surviving is a special great niece who never forgot Newell's birthday or just a special day.
Graveside service was held on Thursday, May 26 at 10:00 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in trusted with service arrangements.