ARTHUR THORNTON, passed away Friday, April 18, 2008,

at his residence in Green Valley.

He was born May 11, 1913 in Denver, Colo. He moved to Albuquerque, N.M. in 1918, where he attended school, including Albuquerque High School and the University of New Mexico. At UNM he lettered in track, majored in geology and joined Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated UNM in 1937 with a B.S. degree.

In 1932, Arthur met Ruth Billings and they were married Nov. 25, 1937. They were married 69 years. Ruth passed away in January 2007.

He was very active in the Masonic Lodge and Ballut Abyad Shrine. In 1983, Arthur and Ruth moved to Alto, N.M., and in 1991 to Green Valley.

Arthur was a decorated veteran of WWII and the Korean conflict where he served his country with honor. He is the recipient of two Bronze Stars among other honors.

He is survived by daughter Carol Bicvarick; son Duke Thornton of Albuquerque; daughter Gail Strahlem of Chandler; daughter Melissa Bessent of Marana; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Arthur had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a cherished friend to all who knew him.