Richard “Rick” Lee Thornton

Rick was born in Helper, Utah to George and Ann Thornton. He had three younger siblings, his brothers Jeff and John, and his sister Lori. From a very young age his passion was for the military service and law enforcement, so much so he was an officer in the R.O.T.C. at Kearns High. Right after he graduated, he enlisted into the Army and became a military police officer. He continued to serve for over 30 years, with both the National Guard and as an active reservist. He retired as a Master Sergeant.
His first civilian law enforcement position was with Sandy City PD in 1977 and soon after graduated from the police academy. A few years later he joined the State Narcotics Division. He also worked for the DEA. He finally found his home at Murray City PD and retired 15 years later as a Sergeant. While at Murray he was a D.A.R.E officer, a member of the S.W.A.T team, and a part of the joint Salt Lake City Gang Task Force. Rick found he could not stay idle, so his next adventure was with Union Pacific PD for an additional 17 years. He loved the Officer Safety Program and did all he could to make a difference.
In between he managed to marry the love of his life, Joan Seare, and he adopted her son, Joshua, to make their family complete. They were together for 40 years, married for 37. The light of his life and the jewel in his heart was his granddaughter, Adia. In the middle of family and working he somehow found the time to earn a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Psychology with an emphasis on Criminology.
Rick loved to go on vacations, have parties, and in general celebrate life. This has earned him many life-long friends. He made a point to be available to those he could assist in life, often without their knowing. It has been said he has a giving heart that spans the ages of time.
Richard L. Thornton, age 62, ascended with his wings on December 4th, 2018. Born on June 11th, 1956.
Survived by his granddaughter Adia, wife Joan, son Joshua, brother Jeff (Linda) Thornton, sister Lori Moore, sister-in-law Stacey Robles Thornton, Richard (Peggy) Seare, Dennis (Claudia) Hiatt, Kevin (Susan) Stevens, Steve Seare, Shaun (Missy) Seare, Nathan (Toetu) Seare, several nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, George Richard Thornton and Lupie Ann Benavidez Thornton, and his brother John Thornton.
There will be a viewing on Sunday 12/9/2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and a celebration of life on Monday at 1:00 pm, preceded by a viewing at noon, all to be held at Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84123.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. We all will miss you!
Service Information
Viewing December 9, 2018 at 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123





Viewing December 10, 2018 at 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123





Funeral Service
December 10, 2018 at 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123