Deward "Dewie" Lee Thornton
August 25, 1935 ~ June 27, 2025
Born in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Deward “Dewie” Lee Thornton, 88, died peacefully on June 27, 2025 surrounded by family. He was born on August 25, 1936 to Deward Wesley Thornton and Mary Beth Nunley in Pueblo, CO.
He is survived by his wife Wendy, daughters, Teryl Thornton, Sheryl Lombardi, Niki (Mark) Avery and son Daniel Thornton, grandchildren Brandon Thornton, Ryan May, Jack May, Kendall Avery and Robby Avery, sister Betsy (Doug) Ward and brother Hank (Sherry) Morton and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Randy Thornton.
Dewie grew up in Pueblo and attended Central High School, graduating in 1954. He was a three-sport standout for the Wildcats from 1952-54, playing basketball, baseball and track.
He went to Pueblo Junior College (PJC) and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, CO. At PJC, Dewie played two seasons each of basketball and baseball. He was the captain of the PJC basketball team that played in the National Junior College Tournament (1955-56). He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Western State College.
Dewie started his teaching career in Salida, CO and eventually moved back to Pueblo to teach in District 60. He taught middle school and high school and finished his career as Principal at Centennial High School, retiring in 1993.
In addition to teaching, Dewie coached basketball, wrestling, baseball, football and track. He also spent over 20 years as a basketball official at the high school and college level and 15 years as a baseball official at the high school, college and semi-pro level.
He was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame in 1998.
Dewie’s main passion later in life was golf, golf, golf! He was an avid golfer and spent many hours on the greens with his buddies. His one regret was not getting a hole in one.
Of course, his real passion was his family. He cherished his wife Wendy, and they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing. He raised 5 children, including his own three and Wendy’s two daughters. He adored his grandchildren, and they adored him right back.
He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He brought a lot of joy and laughter to those around him. Though he may be gone, his stories, lessons, jokes and love will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers and food, please donate to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life for Dewie will be held on Friday, July 25th at 10:30 am, at Fellowship of the Rockies, 3892 W Northern Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005.
Services
Memorial Service: July 25, 2025 10:30 am
Fellowship of the Rockies
3892 W. Northern Ave.
Pueblo, CO 81005
719-542-1552
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2025-07-25 10:30:00
2025-07-25 10:30:00
Deward "Dewie"LeeThorntonMemorial Service
Memorial Service
3892 W. Northern Ave.,Pueblo, CO 81005
Wendy and family, Dewie fought so hard and you supported and loved him all the way. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
My condolences, Dewie was a good friend and colleague. We met several years for monthly breakfast with other High School Principals. Dewie was a true gentleman.
Dewey Thornton was one of those exceptional individuals who always brought a smile to your face when you were talking with him. I remember him as a positive person who always had something good to say. He was part of the start of the 20-season run for Pueblo Junior College and Southern Colorado State College basketball, where the Indians competed in 10 national tournaments. Dewey and his teammates were special to my family both on and off the floor. RIP Dewey. I know that you and Ernie McGill are passing the ball to Eugene Poston again. Tim Simmons
Condolences to the entire Thornton clan. He became one of my closest friends as we worked together at Centennial HS. He was so respected in the roles he managed at the school…Athletic Director, Assistant Principal & finally as Principal. He just had the ability to perform at a very high level in each of these responsibilities.
I will truly miss him. RIP, my good friend.
Coach Tom Brockman
Such a special man and a treasured friend to the entire Simmons Clan!
He is for sure sharing wonderful stories with The Chief and Bodie from his PJC Days! The Best of Times!👍
Rest In Peace, Dear Friend!🙏🙏🙏
Wishing you peace to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. My deepest condolences.