Life Story Leon Thornton, Sr. was born on November 6, in Lockland, Ohio, to the late Clarence Thornton and Lucretia Blackwell. He was the youngest along with his twin sister Leona. The family moved to the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was educated in the public school system of Cincinnati. He attended for a short period of time Cincinnati State for a short period of time. After moving to Dallas, he earned an Associate Degree from Cedar Valley College in Business Administration. As an adult, he worked for a toy company before becoming a U.S. Postal Service employee. He ultimately rose to the management level, retiring after 35 years of loyal and dedicated service. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Lee Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was very active in his church before moving to Texas. In 1968, he moved to Dallas, Texas where he joined Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church under Rev. O.T. Austin. On the local level at Smith Chapel he was active in the Lay Organization, where he held several positions over the years (including President), Sons of Allen, Class Leader and the Steward Board where he was the immediate past Pro-Tem. He served as 1st Vice President of the Lay Organization of the North Texas Conference. On the State level, he was active in the 10th District Lay Organization ascending to the roles of 1st Vice and President). He was an active AME, attending local, conference, district and general meetings. He had a genuine love for the AME Church, especially Smith Chapel. Because of his love of God and Smith Chapel, he helped with the business affairs of the church. He was a Master Mason for 38 years, joining in 1974. He was a member of the Cherubim Lodge #237, became a 33rd Degree Mason in 1977. Under the Dale Consistory #31, he was a Commander-in-Chief and Keeper of the Seals and Archives. He was also Potentate and Recorder under the Zakat Temple #164. Under the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, he was the Deputy of the Desert and the Imperial Marshall. Within the Council of Deliberation, he was the Illustrious Grand Secretary. He rarely missed the local, state or national meetings. On June 4, 1994, in Austin, Texas, at Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, he married Patricia Ann Toliver. They were married for 18 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lucretia Blackwell Thornton; siblings AJ, Dorothy, Anna Pearl, Larry, Bobby, Clarence and Leona; and his youngest son, Clarence Thornton. Cherishing his memory with love and devotion are his wife, Patricia Thornton; daughters: Karen Williams, Cincinnati, Ohio; Chalaundra Lewis, Austin, Texas; Tracey Lewis, Bryan, Texas; sons Leon Jr., Dallas, Texas, Gregory (Dana), Daryl, Timothy (Rebecca), Cincinnati, Ohio and Jeffrey Lewis, Bryan, Texas; and 25 grandchildren. God blessed him with 6 God-daughters; Rev. Valerie Anderson, Michelle Williams, Monique Rodgers, Carmen Jones, Terri Strambler, and Kimberly Tipps; his "girls" - Lauren Gray, Melody Guinn, Kashundra Wright Cobb, Ravonne Jones, Melodi Paige and Adrienne Quickley; a special friend Willie Roberts; and a host of other relatives and friends.