Bonham, Texas -- William “Bill” Fletcher Thornton died peacefully on December 27, 2025, in Bonham, Texas, at the age of 97. The oldest of six children, Bill was born on April 8, 1928, in Houston, Texas, to Archie and Ruby Thornton. He is survived by one brother, four children, one foster child, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Alta Corinne Starnes Thornton, his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 76 years, and one great-grandchild, Matilda.
After graduating from Howard Payne University in 1949 and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1954, Bill served as pastor to 12 churches, beginning at Vineyard Grove Baptist Church in Allen’s Chapel, TX, and Telephone Baptist Church in Telephone, TX. He then pastored churches in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and California, before returning to Telephone Baptist Church in 1996.
Over his 78-year career, Bill was also involved with numerous community, Christian, and mission organizations including Buckner Children’s Home, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, California Parks Ministry, Mission Service Corps, Prison Ministries, Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches, and the Western Heritage Ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also loved collecting coins and researching genealogy, and he spent many years compiling a comprehensive family tree.
Family and friends remember Bill as dedicated, intelligent, hardworking, and deeply committed to Christ. He loved the Gospel and was passionate about sharing the Good News with those who most needed it.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bois D’Arc Creek Cowboy Church, 3301 State Hwy 121, Bonham, TX 75418. A graveside service will follow at the Forest Grove Cemetery in Telephone, TX.
Cards may be mailed to PO Box 77, Telephone, TX 75488.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, Bonham, TX.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.coopersorrells.com.
