Ralph C. Thornton

Ralph Cline Thornton, 86, of Homer, passed away following a period of declining health on January 8, 2026 in the Syracuse VA Medical Center.

A lifelong area resident, Ralph was born December 8, 1939, a son of the late, Hubert and Sarah Wilson Thornton.

In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, faithfully serving until his honorable discharge in 1963.

For many years, Ralph owned and operated Thornton Spraying Service. He later worked at AGWAY in Preble and at the Homer Elks Lodge.

He was an avid bowler, a lifetime member with 50+ years of service to the Homer Fire Department West Side Hose Co. #3 and a member of the Fire Police. He was also a life member of the Homer Lodge #2506 B.P.O.E and the Burns-McCauliffe American Legion Post #465 of Homer.

The Village of Homer recently dedicated the ice skating rink to him for his years of service making the ice rink on the village green. “Ralph Thornton Municipal Ice Rink”

Surviving are his three sons, Clair M. Thornton; and Chad J. Thornton (Rachael Stout) both of Homer and Charles F. Thornton of Cortland; a grandson, Tydyn Thornton, who was the light of his life, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou Stisser Thornton in 1993; a granddaughter, Ashlynn Rae Thornton and his siblings, Clair, Paul, Phillip and Gordon Thornton.

Memorial services, with honors provided by the Homer Fire Department and the U.S. Army, will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 U.S. Route 11, Homer. 

Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

There will be a gathering for relatives and friends immediately following the service at the Homer American Legion, 63 South Main St., Homer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Homer Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Homer, NY 13077.

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