Herman Edward "Buck" Thornton III

Herman Edward “Buck” Thornton III, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed away on February 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, faith, and devotion to family. He was born June 26, 1938, in Braggs, Oklahoma, to Ocey Marie Thornton and Herman Edward Thornton Jr. Known to most as “Buck,” he was a man of grit and determination. In his early years, he earned multiple Golden Gloves titles before stepping into the professional boxing league, a pursuit that reflected both his discipline and fighting spirit. After retiring from boxing, he dedicated 32 years of hard work as a union pipe fitter, providing for his family and earning the respect of those who worked alongside him. Buck’s life was deeply rooted in faith. He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 71 years, a place that shaped his values and where he built lifelong relationships. Even in his later years, he remained active and competitive, becoming a multiple gold medalist in the Oklahoma Senior Games and participating in the National Senior Games. Above all, Buck was a family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Baxter Thornton; his sister, Peggy Thornton Dawson; his daughters, Tammy Thornton Turney and husband Lon Turney, Lori Thornton Jorgenson, Angela Thornton, and Tiffany Roberts and husband Josh Roberts; and his son, Scott Thornton and wife Kathy Thornton. He is also survived by his stepsons, Bret Robinson, Bart Robinson, and Kelly Robinson. He leaves behind a large and proud family of grandchildren: Tyler Baccus, Courtney Brassfield, Ronald Shelby Brassfield, Jordan Jorgenson, Aldyn Jorgenson, Sydney Thornton-Jorgenson, Savannah Thornton-Jorgenson, Natalie Thornton Rowley, Alex Yandell, Marshall Hatch, and Skylar Stinnet, along with seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Jerry Thornton, Bill Thornton, Roy Lee Thornton, Myrtle Jackson, Imajean Vinzant, Brenda Brasier, and Johnny Thornton. The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Cornerstone Funeral Home, with a graveside service immediately following at Greenhill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Alex Yandell, Ringo Jorgenson, Chuck Geisendorf, Brook Geisendorf, Calvin Roberts, and Ronald Shelby Brassfield. Honorary pallbearers are Marshall Hatch, Ryan Brassfield, Isaiah Brassfield, and Hayze Baccus. Buck will be remembered for his toughness, his steady faith, and the deep love he had for his family. His life was one of perseverance, loyalty, and quiet strength — a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Herman Edward "Buck" Thornton III

June 26, 1938 - February 4, 2026