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. Livestream may be seen at https://www.youtube.com/live/6oJxitfR060?si=-u16psRVxoG_Kmql
Services
Memorial Service: July 25, 2025 10:30 am
Fellowship of the Rockies
3892 W. Northern Ave.
Pueblo, CO 81005
719-542-1552
Add to My Calendar
America/Denver
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
We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of Dewey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of healing.
-Amanda (Mandy), James (Jamie), and Mark White
In my later years, I had the best time harassing them at the Stadium Lounge. I would always join Dewy for a drink much to the dismay of who he was with. We had a great time.
I truly love him and just knowing he’s not here leaves a large whole in my heart.
Terri, I think I spoke to you about your dad a long time ago. If I didn’t I should have. He is one of the very best. As long as I live, he will never be forgotten.
With Deepest Sympathy for you great loss,
Anne Charles
Hi Anne, Wow, thank you. I really am surprised! No you hadn’t talked to me about all this! Wish you had.☺️ I always recalled you as one of the troubled teens my dad referred to as partiers, etc. I just thought anyone being in their office was in trouble. What did I know? Huh! I stayed away, but for Mr. Engle who taught me to drive. They were all besties & I saw them in a different light, ya know? I’m envious too, cuz I never really had that kind of relationship with him. Probably why I wanted to hang around you guys! (Recall that party:)? Ack! Man it’s so cool to hear all these stories of my dad.
Feel free to chat a bit in messenger, email or text (if you have my phone number). Been awhile. I still have part of that lamp I got from you, strange story I’ll tell you if interested. (Weird). Appreciate this & sure the rest of my family does too. Hugs, Teryl (Terri) :-)
I just heard of Mr. Thornton’s passing. My condolences to the family. So many fond memories of Mr. Thornton during my time as a student at Centennial HS; Playing HORSE, learning trick shots, and his bright smile to name a few. He was an amazing educator and person. 🤗
So sorry to hear about Mr Thornton passing, he was one of my favorite people and principles at Pitts! Loved to visit with him and Wendy at King Soopers, and he never forgot my name always acknowledge me and made me laugh. Definitely a true legend he will be greatly missed.
Loved Mr Thornton! One of my favorite People & Principle at Pitts! New him almost my whole life! Love visiting with him and Wendy at King Soopers. So sorry for your loss, great man.
Terri
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of my childhood going to your house. Your Father always welcomed me. And when I saw him in public years later he always went out of his way to acknowledge me. Such a nice gesture. He was a nice person. I will be praying for you and your family. God Bless you!
Again so sorry for your loss.
Robbin, so good to see your post! Thank you so much. I think of you & us hanging out back then. Often wonder where you are! See you’re married. Congrats! Anyone I knew?;) Hope you’re well & chat back in FB or email if you want. I tried really hard to come home, but laws to travel in-country stink, I just couldn’t get it done in time. 😞 So upset! I was hoping to see so many of our old friends, school mates, esp family, etc. Gonna keep trying but it will never make up for missing my dad’s service. Thank you so much. My family & I greatly appreciate hearing from you. Hugs, Teryl (Terri) 💖
Sorry to hear of Dewie’s passing. May you always cherish the memories of him, smile and laugh together and hold each other close. He will be missed by so many.
Thank you, Donna (someone I know)? You can email me privately (if you prefer, I think). We appreciate your sentiment. Teryl
Wendy and family members: my sincere sympathies to all of you. I worked with Dewey as principals for five years at Centennial. He was highly regarded by other staff members and students for his fair treatment and professionalism. He had a welcomed sense of humor when needed. I always enjoyed seeing him in retirement, and reminiscing. May he Rest In Peace.
William Hrutky
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Mr. Thornton almost my entire life since I was friends with Danny and Randy. I got my first ” spatz” from him in the 6th grade at Pitts and I am sure he didn’t hold back because I was his son’s friend. He was a great man and I always looked up to him.
Ted and Carol Mutz
Wendy, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Dewey was a special individual and he and I had significant
joking amid spirited competition on the golf course.
He will be missed.. R.I.P.
Mr. and coach Thornton kept me in line at Pitts Jr. High ! Always a friend to the Spank Blasing family
So very sorry to learn of Dewie’s passing. He will be missed. Prayers for Wendy and the family.
Such a wonderful man. So kind, accepting and a true gentleman!
He made a big impact on my life. Rest in Peace Friend 💜
Deborah Vukich
I had the pleasure of becoming a friend of Dewey’s teaching
at Pitts Jr High a long time ago. He was also a friend and
fellow official of many games with my husband, Arlan Straub.
He made me laugh a lot, and that laughter is such a good
thing to remember!
My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends,
We had some good cocktail hours in Arizona!! I will see you shortly! God Bless!
Love Charmin
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.
My condolences to Dewy’s family. I officiated my first basketball game with Dewey and he was so patient, as I struggled dearly. He continued to believe in and was the main reason I officiated basketball for 35 years. God bless!
He’s fortunate to have raised 2 families, athletes, students, etc. He was loved by us all! 💖 1st Daughter, Teryl (Terri) Thornton & Thank you Wendy, daughters & all who wrote this beautiful Remembrance! I love you! Ter