Chester Dean Thornton

Chester Dean Thornton, 83, of Grand Island, NE passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society Village in Grand Island. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Apfel Funeral Home with Rev. Kelly Karges officiating. Burial will follow in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com

Chester “Dean” was born July 27, 1940, at Clarksdale, MO to Marvin and Katherine (Filley) Thornton. He grew up and attended school in Missouri. He moved to Grand Island in 1968.

On August 31, 1973, he was united in marriage to Eileen “Julie” Christensen in Savannah Missouri. After which they lived in the Grand Island area. He worked various jobs including driving trucks.

Dean was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Antique Tractor Club. He enjoyed fishing, riding four wheelers, and antique tractors and drove them in the parade at the State Fair.

Survivors include son, Michael (Shar) Thornton of Grand Island; daughter, Dina DeAnn (Albert) Chambers of OK; four grandchildren in OK and grandson, Trai Thornton of Rolla, MO; five great grandchildren in OK and Dayna Thornton, Zeyanna; and brother, Richard Thornton of Beatrice, NE.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Julie; three brothers; and two sisters.