Alan Thornton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 8, 2025, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was born on March 15, 1953, in Jefferson, Iowa to Francis and Gladys (Henderson) Thornton. Alan graduated from Paton Churdan High School in 1971, where he showed his talent for baseball, even being drafted by the Twins. However, his passion for driving took him down a different path.
Alan’s love for driving truck started when he was young. Dick Mackey let him shuffle trucks around in the lot at the age of 9. From there the shuffle of trucks turned into a job during high school and beyond. During high school, he transported cattle to the Omaha Livestock Exchange. These experiences ignited his love for driving trucks, and he went on to start his own trucking company, Thornton Trucking, in the early 80s and was so proud of it. He drove for various companies, including Best, Schueman Brother’s Trucking, Steve Emken of Oakland, TMC Trucking, and Foodliner, until his retirement in 2019. Even retirement didn’t slow him down, as he continued to work driving for Krohn Farms.
Outside of work, Alan enjoyed a simple life filled with hobbies that brought him joy. He loved hunting, fishing, fixing up antique pedal tractors, and most of all, spending time with his grandkids. His wife, Patricia, was the light of his life, and he cherished the moments they shared together.
Alan was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gladys and Francis Thornton; mother and father-in-law Ross and Beatrice Adams. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Thornton of Avoca, Iowa; his children Brad Thornton, Brian (Mindy) Thornton, and Brenda (Eric) Hansen; nine grandchildren: Madison (Austin), Macy, Lane, Blake, Jade, Haley, Gavin, Adelyn, and special granddaughter Taylor Anzalone; as well as one great-grandson, Creed. He also leaves behind his sister Jane Borkowski of Churdan, Iowa; other family and many friends.
Family will greet friends at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca on Friday, December 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A time for sharing will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Survivors include his wife Patricia Thornton of Avoca, IA; children Brad Thornton of Avoca, IA; Brian (Mindy) Thornton of Avoca, IA; Brenda (Eric) Hansen of Marne, IA;
8 grandchildren: Madison (Austin Henningsen), Macy, Lane, Blake, Jade, Haley, Gavin, Adelyn and special granddaughter Taylor Anzalone; 1 great-grandson Creed Henningsen; sister Jane Borkowski of Churdan, IA.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
