Herb Thornton

Herbert B. Thornton

November 3, 1949 - June 21, 2007

Brothers:

As you can see by the obit that was sent by Gary Hurl,
Herb Thorton lived a full life, however brief it was.
My wife Linda and I had the honor of representing my Nam brothers at Herb's funeral.
It was an honor to meet his daughters, granddaughter and sister.
Herb had a wonderful family.
Herb's daughter Carrie is married to an Army soldier
who has served 2 tours in Iraq.
I deeply expressed my gratitude for her families' service to our country,
on behalf of Herb's Nam fellow vetrans.

As you all know, Harold received the call from Linda, Herb's girlfriend,
and called me since I am the closest to Herb's home.
Harold also sent a beautiful flower arrangement, that had a blown up photo of all of us,
near the flowers. It was very tastefully done.
Harold needs to be thanked for acting so promptly, as this was all so sudden.

I also told his daughters that because we knew Herb long before they did,
that I could assure them that he was a fine man way back then as well,
and that we all knew we could count on him.
They were very touched that Herb's friends from 37 years past, took the time to pay their respects.

Please see that attached...and read this "Infantryman's Prayer"
on behalf of Herb, his son-in-law, and all our troops in harm's way.

My sincere thanks for your friendship,

Dan Martus

The Infantryman’s Prayer

Almighty God, whose will it is that we be leaders of people,
hear us as we come to you for guidance in this awesome responsibility.
Let us never forget our duty to the people whom we lead.
May we instill in them the qualities of loyalty, integrity and beauty.
Grant us patience in dealing with the mistakes of others.
Let us never forget that no person is perfect,
but that perfection for the fragile humans is trying each day to be better than the day before.

Give us courage, oh Lord, in the face of danger.
Keep us pure in heart, clean in mind, and strong of purpose.
Remind us that wisdom is not gained in an hour, a day, or a year,
but it is a process that continues all the days of our lives.
Keep ever before us our goal which is not to perpetrate war,
but to safeguard peace and preserve your great gift to mankind: freedom.
May you always be near to guide us in our decisions, comfort us in our families,
and keep us humble in our successes.

We ask your divine blessings and leadership
as we discharge the honor and responsibilities of leading people in the service of our country.
Walk close to us as always, our Father, that we may not fail, Amen.

Thanks to Gary Hurl for the photo and obit posted above,
and to Dan Martus for his letter and prayer.

Burial:
Saint Joseph Cemetery
Palmyra
Marion County
Missouri

Grave marker for Herbert B. Thornton

Photo by Dennis Fohey from the Find A Grave website

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