Nathan Daniel Thornton - Walker Funeral Home

Nathan Daniel Thornton, 39, of Las Vegas, NV, peacefully passed to the arms of our loving God on February 14, 2021, after complications from a seizure and cardiac arrest. He was surrounded by his loving family during the final moments of his life.

Nathan was born to Bill and Julie Thornton of Spanish Fork, UT on June 27, 1981. He was a graduate of Spanish Fork High School, Class of 1999 and was a member of the football team. He served in The United States Army as a Staff Sergeant at Fort Drum, NY with the 10th Mountain Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons.” He served during the 2006-2007 Iraq Deployment known as The Triangle of Death. His combat brothers recognize Nate as a well-respected soldier and a man of character. He was often the differentiator between defeat and surviving another night along the Euphrates River Valley. He was awarded The Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. After honorably serving his country, he received a Bachelors of Science in Business from University of Phoenix in 2015.

He married the love of his life, Terra, on August 8, 2009 in Watertown, NY. They settled in Las Vegas, NV in 2010. Nate was a dedicated and supportive husband. He prided himself on being able to serve his family and being a faithful husband. He knew his wedding vows to be forever. He was ready to support anything his wife suggested with a “Let’s make it happen,” response. She will be forever grateful for his love and friendship. They have four beautiful children: Alexis (17), Chloe (4), Keagan (4) and Josie (3).

Nathan was the most rare of fathers and referred to taking care of his four children as his greatest privilege in life. He jumped right into fatherhood with Alexis at the age of 4 and she knows him to be her biggest fan. He was a very hands-on father and worked from home so he could love and care for his children. His children were showered with his acts of love daily. He prepared made-to-order home cooked meals, bathed them, dressed them, read to them, coached them, and was a big playmate. As a dad, he was always thinking about the well-being and happiness of his children. He was constantly watching YouTube tutorials to perfect the latest hairstyles for his daughters that received many jaw dropping compliments. His Amazon cart was always full with purchases for his children and he never failed to bring back a surprise for them when returning from the store. Each child knew and felt his love.

Nate dedicated himself everyday to his family. He taught us unconditional love for one another. He was inspired by the unconditional love that he received from his parents. He often commented that he knew how much his parents loved him and he wouldn’t let many days go by without calling his mother. He was a loving son and referred to himself as the luckiest man alive because he had “the greatest parents in the world.” Because of Bill and Julie’s strong example of love, Nathan knew and valued the importance of family. Terra and their children benefited tremendously from Nathan’s wonderful upbringing and “family first” mentality.

Nate was “Nate,” and anyone who ever knew him, knows the meaning of this. He was predeceased by a brother, Jake (1979). Surviving in addition to his wife, children, and parents, he leaves behind a grandmother, Starla Drage, brother, Jamison, sisters Katie (Fox) and Nikka (Bona), and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nathan, our beautiful father, husband, son, brother, and uncle, we feel very blessed and our hearts are full of joy, for in a small moment, in the vastness of time, we were able to spend time with you. We will love you always and we know to be true, that one day, we will be together again.

A viewing and service of remembrance will be held Monday, February 22 at Spanish Fork 19th Ward, 585 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT. Viewing will be from 10:00-12:00. Service will immediately follow. Burial will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East.

Share Now

10 Condolences for Nathan Daniel Thornton

Condolences(10)

Dianne Rotella says

February 19, 2021 at 2:28 am

Terra and family…

My deepest condolences to you. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this time and always ❤

Tony Scott says

February 20, 2021 at 2:15 am

Brother,
Hardest thing to see is someone go! You were such a pure soul and great friend and Soldier! My deepest sympathy for your family! As you did a s a Soldier for many people, I know your watching over them! ROTL! Climb to Glory!

REPLY
Bill and Julie Thornton says
March 2, 2021 at 6:10 pm

Thank you for your wonderful words of kindness during our time of grief.

Louis Lindstrom says

February 20, 2021 at 10:32 am

My condolences to the family of Nate Thornton. We all hate to see our fellow Golden Dragons go to soon after all we experienced together in Iraq. Thornton was a great soldier and warrior in our team. Until Valhalla brother you now hold a place to the Right if the Line. RIP

REPLY
Bill and Julie Thornton says
March 2, 2021 at 6:12 pm

Thank you for your kind words and sympathy during our time of grief

Edward G Waugh says

February 20, 2021 at 4:54 pm

My condolences to Terra and Nate’s family. He has passed way too young. My God rest his soul.

Michael bidwell says

February 20, 2021 at 9:41 pm

Condolences to the family, Nate was one of the most genuine nicest guys I’ve ever served with and met, until we meet again brother

Karen T. Brimhall says

February 21, 2021 at 6:45 pm

Julie, so sad to hear of the loss of your son. It is so hard to lose one of your children. I pray for peace and comfort to be on all your family, and especially, his wife and children. Sending my love to you

Gloria Huff says

February 22, 2021 at 9:21 pm

There are no words that will comfort you at this time but please know that you are in my heart and that I care. Really enjoyed Nate during the baseball days. Sending healing hugs.

Kathy Sparrow says

February 27, 2021 at 1:28 am

Julie and family. I have a Nathan and feel sorrow for your lose. H great e sounded like a great guy and a wonderful husband and Father. My Prayers are with you and the family. Kathy Sparrow

Nathan Daniel Thornton June 27, 1981 - February 14, 2021

Service of Remembrance

Viewing

Interment

10 Condolences for Nathan Daniel Thornton