Melvin Douglas Thornton

Melvin Douglas Thornton, 71 of Floyd, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2013. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dillard & Myrtle Thornton; several brothers and sisters; and daughter, Clarissa Thornton Peterson. He worked many years as an Operating Engineer in Washington D.C. and at the Lynchburg Foundry. He also worked at Radva Plastics and Dominion Lab. He attended Auburn Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, LeAntha Cole Thornton; daughter, Ginger Thornton Patton; grandsons, Steven “Mitchell” Peterson, Jr. & wife Ashley Lawson Peterson, Andrew Richard Patton, Benjamin Lee Patton; brother-in-law, Lloyd B. Cole, Jr. & wife Gail B. Cole; sister-in-law, Joann Thornton; several nieces and nephews; special caregiver & friend, Jessica Cox.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2013 at the Auburn Baptist Church with Rev. Stanley “Shake” Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the West View Cemetery in Radford. The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel. Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to the Auburn Baptist Church, 3840 Riner Rd., Riner, VA 24149.