Paul Everett Thornton, age 77, of Bismarck, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at CHI St. Vincent Medical Center in Hot Springs.  He was born March 19, 1947, in Bismarck, the son of the late Arlie and Inez Whitley Thornton.  Paul was retired from the United States Army Reserves.  He worked as a car salesman for many years at Dale Horn and Allen Tillery Dealerships.  Paul was a Baptist by faith.  He and his late wife Carolyn enjoyed playing the slot machines at Oaklawn in their free time.  Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carolyn Thornton, two sons, Chris Thornton and Jeff Scott, two brothers, Wayne and Gifford Thornton, two sisters, Wilma Wilson and Eloise "Ella" Porterfield.

Survivors are two sons, Chad Thornton of Hot Springs and Albert Dean Scott (Debbie) of Bismarck, one daughter, Marla Looper (Roy) of Bismarck, one brother, Lloyd Thornton (Judy) of Malvern, one brother-in-law, Charles Porterfield of Alvin, TX, two sister-in-laws, Becky Thornton of Mena and Marcille Thornton of Bismarck, nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Mark Thornton officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Welch Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Encompass Healthcare or Lakeside Health & Rehabilitation.

Pallbearers are Chad Thornton, Dean Scott, Adam Scott, Alex Thornton, Blake Thornton, Grant Thornton, Roy Looper and Josh Pilcher.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.