[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 36 (Friday, February 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF CLARENCE THORNTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a 
dedicated patriot, Clarence Thornton, of Hampton, Connecticut. Mr. 
Thornton, a devoted veteran, husband, and father, passed away at the 
age of 101 on February 6, 2023.
  Born in 1921, in Pomfret, Connecticut, to George Howard and Frances 
Thornton, Clarence was a beloved native of Eastern Connecticut. Through 
the nurturing of his family, Clarence's capacity for devotion to his 
community and country was endless. One of the most prominent and early 
examples of Clarence's devotion was by way of his service in the Army 
during World War II. Aged 21, Clarence heeded our Nation's call to 
action and began his service as a Heavy Truck Driver in 1942. 
Throughout his military career, Private First Class Thornton joined 
Allied forces in the campaign to liberate Europe and preserve world 
order, serving in the offences of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, 
Ardennes, and Central Europe. Clarence was presented with several 
ribbons and medals for his honorable service.
  Upon his honorable discharge in December 1945, Clarence returned to 
his native state of Connecticut, settling in Hampton, where he found 
new ways to give back to his community. Due to his striking resemblance 
to Abraham Lincoln, Clarence frequently portrayed the President during 
the town's Memorial Day Parades. He was also a hard worker who 
contributed to the local economy by way of several trades, including 
his precise touch for furniture making and painting homes in the 
surrounding region.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent patriots who are as humble, 
dutiful, and service-oriented as Clarence Thornton. Clarence will be 
forever remembered for his devotion to his large family and is 
specifically survived by his children: Keith and Michelle Thornton, 
Patricia Goodwin, Robert Thornton, Sandra and ``Stretch'' Thornton, 
Sharron and James Dickson, Sharlene Thornton; sister, Elsie May 
Johnson, and an even greater extended family. He was a beloved figure 
in town and his loss will continue to be felt throughout the region. To 
that end, I ask that my colleagues join me in observing the loss of 
Clarence Thornton.

                          ____________________