Wayne Gary Thornton

CHELSEA – Wayne Gary Thornton, “Cappy”, 78, of Chelsea, passed away Jan. 6, 2025 of pneumonia at VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus, with his son by his side. He was born on Nov. 8, 1946 in Augusta, to Donald Wilbur and Florence McArthur Wilbur. Wayne graduated from Gardiner High School, then joined the Army on Nov. 11, 1966, where he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He was sent to Vietnam in 1968, then to St. Louis, Mo., in 1972 for Control Group. During his Military Service, Wayne received three Bronze Stars. He was Honorably Discharged Oct. 10, 1972. Wayne was self-employed in demolition and sales and took great pride in acquiring unique, historical items.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his son, Bruce Thornton; one brother, Donald Wilbur, Jr., and two sisters, Tammy Violet and Janet Anderson.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Wilbur Burgess, her husband Leonard Burgess from Florida; his brother, Bruce Wilbur of Sabattus; two sons, Wayne Thornton of Augusta and William Thornton of Litchfield; granddaughters, Hailey Taker and Samantha Thornton, both of Chelsea; and several nieces and nephews.

A military honors service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Avenue Augusta, on July 18, 2025, at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any Cancer Research

Foundation.