Leonard “Ralph” Thornton Jr.

Leonard “Ralph” Thornton Jr., of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on November 7, 2022, at the age of 83. He was a native of Washington, D.C., born on July 14, 1939.

Leonard, or Ralph as he liked to be called, is survived by his former wife, Patricia Johnson, and their three children, Charles Thornton (Jenifer), Michael Thornton (Nicole), and Stephanie Thornton Mercadel (Jonathan); five grandchildren, Taylor Church, Alexis Church, Ethan Thornton, Kyle Thornton, and Jonny Mercadel; one brother, Willie Thornton; and a host of extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, the late Delores Gecker and Leonard Thornton Sr., and two sisters, Dorothy E. Thornton and Delores A. Thornton.

Leonard bravely served in the United States Marine Corps for 23 years before retiring. He earned numerous recognitions during his time in the military including the Vietnam Service Medal, two Purple Hearts, and Combat Air Crew Wings. After his military service, Leonard continued being active in his community by working in many different areas and trades. His grandkids were amazed and kidded him about being a jack of all trades. A true craftsman, Leonard was a certified mechanic, electrician, and plumber. One of his biggest passions was his love of firearms. He was a skilled marksman and an avid gun collector. But in his later years, he treasured nothing more than the time he spent with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at 12:30 p.m. Leonard will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at 1:30 p.m. in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com