Life story Robert L. "Pat" Thornton, age 79, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the King's Daughters' Hospital, Madison. He was born on March 17, 1937 in Canaan, Indiana, the son of Dallas and Freda (Reed) Thornton. Mr. Thornton attended Central High School, and was a life-long resident of Jefferson County. He served in the Indiana National Guard, and retired in 1998 after several years as a heavy equipment operator with Flynn Brothers Construction Company in Louisville. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge, American Legion, Post #9, and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed working with old cars and going to auctions. Survivors include his wife, the former Joyce Bladen, to whom he was married on August 23, 1980 in Vevay, Indiana; one daughter, Tammy Shelly of Charlestown, Indiana; one step-daughter. Marla Giltner and her husband, Stephen of Madison; one step-son, Thomas Sullivan of Vevay; four sisters: Sue Goins and Nancy O'Connell, both of Madison, Dorothy Quinn and her husband, Charles, and Marilyn Perazzo, all of California; one brother, Jerry Thornton and his wife, Helen, of Madison; two grandchildren: Jase and Matthew; six step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Thornton, and one step-son, Steven Fitzgerald. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Canaan Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Merkle Cell Carcinoma research. Contribution cards are available at the Lytle Funeral Homes, Vail Chapel, which is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at lytlefuneralhomes.com Service InformationSaturday April 2, 2016 11:00amDetails: Service Extra Info Graveside services will be held. Interment Details To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. "Pat" Thornton, please visit our floral store.