Steven Harold Thornton
May 11, 1953 ~ March 2, 2020
Born in:
Jackson, MI
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailSteven Harold Thornton, 66, of Asheville, died Monday, March 2, 2020.
A native of Jackson, MI, he was a retired registered nurse with Charles George VA Medical Center and a veteran of the US Army.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; mother, Nancy; brother, Jim, two nephews, Justin and Peter; niece, Angelina Barnes; one great nephew; four great nieces and his good friend, Halo.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road.
Services
Memorial Service: March 14, 2020 4:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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To the Thornton Family, I’m sorry for your loss. I knew Steve from the U.S. Army. We first met when he was an instructor at the Special Forces Medic course when it was located at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was the NCO that we’d go to if we had any issues come up while we were attending that portion of the course. After graduating a few years later, we ran into each other at Ft. Bragg, NC. We were both serving in the 7th SFG(A). He was a great mentor, a great warrior and an extremely professional Soldier, but most of all, he was my friend, my brother and he will be dearly missed. Our lives are richer for knowing Master Sergeant (Retired) Steven H. Thornton. Rest in peace my brother. Until we meet again..De Oppresso Liber. (To Free the Oppressed) Lo Que Sea, Cuando Sea, Donde Sea, (Anything, Anytime, Anywhere!)
Prayers for the family
To the family and friends of MSG (R) Steve Thornton,
Thank you so much for sharing Sgt Thornton as we knew him. As my good friend Sam Rodriguez said before me. Steve was our mentor and leader during our training to become a Special Forces Medical Sergeant just like him. He was very instrumental in guiding me personally during my path to become a Green Beret. I’m so sorry for your loss but again thank you for sharing him with us. DOL for life brother Steve, RIP and see you in Valhalla.
To Steve’s Family,
I met Steve as student to instructor. He was amazing. Knowing him later in 7th Group as a fellow medic was my honor. I saw Steve 2 years ago passing through Atlanta airport and he was the same wonderful man. He meant so much to me as a mentor and friend. He will never be forgotten because he touched so many.
To The Thornton Family
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Steve was a great instructor who had faith in me when no one else did and because of him I am the SFMedic and then PA that I am today. He epitomized a Soldier/medic a great NCO of the highest bearing and that infectious smile he will be missed by all who had the honor and pleasure of making his acquaintance May God Bless your family and welcome Steve home DOL for Life Til Valhalla Brother
Steve you will never be forgotten! Thank you for being our Brother.
To Steve’s family my prayers and thoughts are with you as you celebrate Steve’s life. Steve was the full package, smart, caring and great team player! DOL!
I did not know Steve, but have heard a good bit about him. As a Green Beret, he is one of my lifelong heroes. May God Bless Steve and his family. DOL.
Rest easy, Brother. DOL
May you find the peace you worked for in this life.
Rest easy brother. Till Valhalla. DOL
Rest In Peace Brother, until we meet again.
RIP Brother!
Rest in peace brother. DOL
Condolences from our family to yours. DOL
While I did not personally know Steven, the many stories shared by his Special Forces Brothers makes it clear that he had an outsized impact on the community and all those with whom he met. May his family take peace in knowing that Steven was a giant among men, an pillar of the Special Forces Community, and well loved by many.
De Oppresso Liber and Rest In Peace, Steven.
I served with Steve in the 7th SFG(A). A fine man, exceptional leader and a great human being.
Rest in peace brother. DOL
Steve Thornton was by far my favorite instructor at 300 F1. He was always professional in our encounters and when offering advice. I later served with him in B 1/7 in the early 90’s. He was the epitome of the SF soldier and an example to be followed by all. Rest In Peace Brother
RIP Steve
Steve was team sergeant of a team in our same Special Forces (B/17 SFG(A) company. Excellent leader who always took care of his troops, as he had taken care of his patients as an 18D and later as a civilian nurse. The world is a better place because he was in it, and dimished by his absence. DOL Brother.
May God bless your family and give you comfort! DOL
I knew then SFC Steven Thornton going through 300F1 and later on in the early 90’s in 7th Group. I can say how was a very professional instructor while there at 300F1. In group he was very well known as a solid Team member. He will be missed and I pray for the family he leaves behind.
Steve, rest easy my brother. Thank you for everything! Rangers Lead The Way / De Oppresso Liber! 1/75 & 7 SFG
Rest In Peace
DOL
Please except my condolences for your loss. DOL
To the family and friends of Steve my sincerest condolences, we first met in Panama and went on a 6 month trip together. After we both retired about the same time, both lived in Southern Pines, I remember helping him on his home there. We stayed in touch the best we could. Great man and medic. He will be missed greatly. Prayers for Linda and family and friends at V.A.
Sorry for your loss. I remember him from 30 years ago when he was and instructor at Ft Sam Houston. He was definitely one of the good guys.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Thornton family and friends.
I met Steve while he was instructing for 300F1. He was a great teacher and role model. May he Rest in Peace.
My deepest condolences to Steve’s family. We served together in the 7th Group and he was a great Soldier and friend. May he forever Rest In Peace.
I attended the Q-course with Steve back in early 1982. He was an inspiration to us younger fellows. May he rest in peace
I worked with Steve in the ICU at the VA. He was an exceptional nurse and a good man. Condolences to all who cared for him. Rest In Peace Steve.
My most sincere condolences, prayers to Linda and his family!! There are not enough wonderful things to say about Steve! A great friend, fellow soldier, and Registered Nurse. He gave 100% to all he engaged! Rest In Peace my friend!! Until Valhalla. De Opresso Liber!!!!!
Steve was in my unit at 7th Special Forces Group. Great warrior and friend! Miss the brother dearly. With respect and sadness, Chad Dickey ODA 711 and 716. 1/7th SFG
My condolences to the Thorton family. MSG (RET) Thorton and I served together in B/1/7 SFG (A). May you Rest in Peace.
To the love of my life. I look forward to seeing you whole and happy in paradise. You had so much pain in your life….I was so frustrated that I could never take your deep emotional pain nor physical pain away. The Messiah job wasn’t mine to do, I now realize. It was like living in a movie with you…a romance, an adventure, a drama….and lastly a Greek tragedy. The cancer completely stole the real Steven away from me.