Kevin John Thornton

A Requiem Mass for Kevin John Thornton, 76, will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, TX with Very Rev. Robert H. Lanik and Rev. Christopher Orajiaka concelebrating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Kevin passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Tyler. He was born June 22, 1949, in Chicago, IL to John Arthur Thornton and Patricia Mooney Thornton. He attended Ascension Catholic School in Oak Park, graduated Fenwick High School (‘67) and received his Bachelor of Arts from The University of St. Thomas (‘71) in St. Paul, MN. He married Mary Catherine (Katie) White on July 22, 1972, and the couple raised eight children in their homes in Oak Park (‘72-‘87) and Villa Park (‘87-‘20) before retiring to Tyler, Texas. Kevin worked for several leading book publishers in Chicago before bringing his expertise to the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Liturgical Institute at The University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. There, he found his most rewarding professional work, editing books on the beauty of his beloved Catholic faith. An ardent lover of music and literature, he spent thousands of hours reading the classics to his children and grandchildren. J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Laura Ingalls Wilder were on regular rotation, as were his own legendary tales of Mike Seahunt and The Lake Swamp Monster. He enjoyed the outdoors year-round, leading Sunday excursions to hike, skate, and cross-country ski. Summers found him rooting for his White Sox, losing golf balls, and savoring beach time with family in Michigan. More than anything, he loved people. A great conversationalist and encourager of others, he found immense joy in sharing a laugh with nieces, nephews, siblings, in-laws, friends, and anyone who needed a smile. He was enormously proud of his family and delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In Texas, he and Katie found a welcome community. They sang the Liturgy of the Hours together each morning and attended daily Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler. In recent weeks, he experienced a sudden onset of esophageal cancer. He faced these trials with his usual wry wit and deep faith. He spent his final days surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Katie, his anchor and the love of his life, held his hand to the end. Kevin was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his loving wife, Katie, his children Patrick (Jessica) of Irving, TX, Clare McCormack (Patrick) of West Chicago, IL, Matthew (Kristi) of Scottsdale, AZ, Hope Scarborough (Brady) of Bullard, TX, Charles (Mary) of Burlington, WI, Margaret Versaci (Vincent) of Wheaton, IL, Jack (Clare) of Irving, TX, and Luke (Jane) of Tyler, TX, and by 38 grandchildren (with one on the way) and 4 great-grandchildren (with two on the way). Kevin is also survived by his siblings Mary Pat Collins (Joseph), Susan Wemple (Peter), Nancy, William (Madeline), Patrick (Heather), Brian (Aura) and John (Pamela). Pallbearers will be grandsons Kevin F. Thornton, Brendan McCormack, Owen Thornton, Augustine McCormack, Aidan Scarborough, Sean Thornton, Emmet Thornton, Colin Scarborough and Conor Thornton. A Rosary will start at 4:00 p.m. with visitation following from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The St. Vincent DePaul Society at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, TX.

Kevin John Thornton

June 22, 1949 - June 9, 2026