Lonnie Earnest Thornton, age 55, of Sioux City passed away on Friday, February 8, 2013 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Buchanan Ave Baptist Church in Sioux City with interment following in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation Friday 4-8 pm at Waterbury Funeral Service, with the family present 6-8 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com.

Lonnie was born in Sioux City on July 10, 1957, the son of Daniel and Maxine ( Franke) Thornton. He graduated from South Sioux City Community Schools and attended trade school to become a Master Plumber-fitter.

He was united in marriage with Valerie Hanner on December 2, 2005 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He worked for several years for Thornton Plumbing in Sioux City and the past few years, Lonnie worked at several different sites between Fort Dodge and Sioux City, until his illness forced his retirement in 2010.

He was a member of Union Local # 33 of the Plumbers-Fitters in Des Moines.

Lonnie loved life, he enjoyed playing golf, pool, and boating. He was a fan of Gunsmoke, and was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeye Football.

Lonnie is survived by his wife Valerie of Sioux City, his mother Maxine Thornton of South Sioux City,Nebraska his four daughters: Mandi, Melissa, Kelsi all of Sioux City, and Katie (Jeremy) Husk of Waukee, Iowa. He is also survived by his brothers: Pastor Dan and Bonnie Thornton, of Sioux City and Ronnie and Carla Thornton of Hornick, his five sisters: Patti Murphy and husband Mike of Moville, Sandy and Mike Tompkins , Linda Edwards of Melbourne,Florida Dianne and Ron Andersen of Nixa, Missouri, and Jo Ann and Darrell Andersen of Sergeant Bluff. Lonnie is also survived by his ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father.