Terre Haute, IN - TERRE HAUTE - William "Bill" Thornton, 87, of Terre Haute and formerly of West Terre Haute, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Monday, January 19, 2026, in Cobblestone Health Center.

He was born August 30, 1938 in Terre Haute to Harold and Eleanor (Mann) Thornton. Bill spent 31 years in education, spending his first year teaching and coaching at Pimento High School, and then going on to Otter Creek where he was teacher, Athletic Director, and Coach. After retiring from teaching, Bill stayed busy. He worked for many years at DeBaun Funeral Home, always happy to see all those people he had met through the years coming in the front door and greeting him with a friendly handshake. He also worked at Pumpkin Works for several years and he really enjoyed doing that as well.

Besides working, Bill was very active in his church, Bethany Community Church, where he was not only a member for many years but also Church President for 11 years and the Church Historian. Bill was a 1956 graduate of Valley High School, then went on to earn his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Indiana State University. He was an avid sports fan of all sports and was also a member of both the Vigo County Teachers Association and the Indiana State Teachers Association.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Roth) Thornton, who died November 7, 2017. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Gloyeske (John); sons, Jim Thornton (Lisa) and Don Thornton (Cheryl); brothers, Tom Thornton (Marion) and Ed Thornton (Victoria); sister-in-law, Jane Davison; grandchildren, Kara Hall, Cory Thornton, Nathan Thornton, Tyler Thornton, Jordan Gloyeske, and Madison Gloyeske; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 2:30 until 4:30 pm in Bethany Community Church with a memorial service starting at 4:30 pm in the church with Reverends Adin Rodgers and Steve Moore officiating. The family would like to express sincerest thanks to Cobblestone Crossings Health Campus and Hospice of the Wabash Valley for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bethany Community Church or the organization of your choice in his honor. Online condolences may be left at:

www.debaunfuneralhomes.com