US Army
Korea Vietnam
The North Texas Community has lost a great Friend and advocate. City Councilman Bill Thorn passed away Saturday, August 24th. His funeral will be Tuesday, August 27, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd.
In lieu of flowers, Councilman Thorn preferred those so inclined send flowers to someone they love or make a donation to Lifeline Shelter for Families or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter.
Councilman Thorn loved serving Grand Prairie both in this role as City Councilman and as a local Realtor. He was always there with his sweet smile and he gave the most wonderful hugs! He was an advocate for transportation in our area and for keeping the business climate strong. He was always at the ready with his literary references to convince you what was right for Grand Prairie. Please keep Lila in your prayers. Before he was elected to the Grand Prairie City Council in 2005, William Forrest"Bill" Thorn had a long career working with helicopters. He maintained, flew, tested, sold and even herded cattle with helicopters before he focused on civic service.
Thorn, 80, died Saturday of natural causes at his Grand Prairie home. Services were Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie. Thorn - like fellow council member Ruthe Jackson, who died Aug. 9 - was dedicated to helping others in Grand Prairie. Both vacancies will be filled in a special election Nov. 5. "Bill was always looking forward, looking ahead for ways to make things better," said Grand Prairie spokeswoman Amy Sprinkle. "It was always very beneficial to have a person like that on the City Council." Thorn served on the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Board and the Airport Advisory Board before he was elected to represent District 3 on the City Council. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011. "He felt like he was being of service to people and helping the community around him," said his wife, Lila Thorn of Grand Prairie. "He was very service-oriented."
Thorn was born in Lowell, W.Va., where he lived until his family moved to Virginia when he was 7. He became an Air Force helicopter mechanic and later trained to be a pilot. He transferred to the Army, where he completed 14 years in the military. Thorn moved to North Texas to be a civilian contractor at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells. "He was basically a test pilot at that time," his wife said. After Mineral Wells, Thorn was one of the first helicopter cowboys, herding cattle in South Texas, his wife said. "He actually helped develop some of the cattle pens so cattle could be worked with a helicopter," she said.
Thorn was always trying to better himself, his wife Thorn said. He attended Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., and the University of Texas at Arlington. "He was always looking for ways to advance and learn more," his wife said. "He took all kinds of courses." In 1968, he became a salesman for Bell Helicopter, where he helped introduce the JetRanger for police and medical service. In February 1976, Thorn joined Aerospatiale in Grand Prairie, now American Eurocopter, where he was director of sales. "He was a very successful salesperson," said Brenda Reuland, American Eurocopter's vice president of communications. "He was very successful in the offshore market with putting our AStars into the Gulf of Mexico. "He sold probably more aircraft into that market than anyone has ever done again," Reuland said.
Thorn was an extremely positive and knowledgeable person, said Reuland, a colleague and friend for about 25 years. He retired from American Eurocopter in July 1991, but continued to work as an industry consultant and later as a real estate agent. Thorn requested that people send flowers to a loved one, rather than to his funeral. "He was always thoughtful," Sprinkle said. "I can hear him saying that, 'Don't send flowers to my funeral, send them to someone you love in my honor.' That would make him very, very happy."
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Kim Skates of Cleveland, Texas; and three sisters, Clara Pyatte of San Antonio, Mary Ware of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Martha Ware of Atlanta.
Memorials other than flowers to a loved one may be made to LifeLine Shelter for Families Inc., or Prairie Paws animal shelter. Services were held at First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd Street, Grand Prairie, Texas on Tuesday, August 27th.
Korea Vietnam
The North Texas Community has lost a great Friend and advocate. City Councilman Bill Thorn passed away Saturday, August 24th. His funeral will be Tuesday, August 27, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd.
In lieu of flowers, Councilman Thorn preferred those so inclined send flowers to someone they love or make a donation to Lifeline Shelter for Families or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter.
Councilman Thorn loved serving Grand Prairie both in this role as City Councilman and as a local Realtor. He was always there with his sweet smile and he gave the most wonderful hugs! He was an advocate for transportation in our area and for keeping the business climate strong. He was always at the ready with his literary references to convince you what was right for Grand Prairie. Please keep Lila in your prayers. Before he was elected to the Grand Prairie City Council in 2005, William Forrest"Bill" Thorn had a long career working with helicopters. He maintained, flew, tested, sold and even herded cattle with helicopters before he focused on civic service.
Thorn, 80, died Saturday of natural causes at his Grand Prairie home. Services were Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie. Thorn - like fellow council member Ruthe Jackson, who died Aug. 9 - was dedicated to helping others in Grand Prairie. Both vacancies will be filled in a special election Nov. 5. "Bill was always looking forward, looking ahead for ways to make things better," said Grand Prairie spokeswoman Amy Sprinkle. "It was always very beneficial to have a person like that on the City Council." Thorn served on the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Board and the Airport Advisory Board before he was elected to represent District 3 on the City Council. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011. "He felt like he was being of service to people and helping the community around him," said his wife, Lila Thorn of Grand Prairie. "He was very service-oriented."
Thorn was born in Lowell, W.Va., where he lived until his family moved to Virginia when he was 7. He became an Air Force helicopter mechanic and later trained to be a pilot. He transferred to the Army, where he completed 14 years in the military. Thorn moved to North Texas to be a civilian contractor at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells. "He was basically a test pilot at that time," his wife said. After Mineral Wells, Thorn was one of the first helicopter cowboys, herding cattle in South Texas, his wife said. "He actually helped develop some of the cattle pens so cattle could be worked with a helicopter," she said.
Thorn was always trying to better himself, his wife Thorn said. He attended Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., and the University of Texas at Arlington. "He was always looking for ways to advance and learn more," his wife said. "He took all kinds of courses." In 1968, he became a salesman for Bell Helicopter, where he helped introduce the JetRanger for police and medical service. In February 1976, Thorn joined Aerospatiale in Grand Prairie, now American Eurocopter, where he was director of sales. "He was a very successful salesperson," said Brenda Reuland, American Eurocopter's vice president of communications. "He was very successful in the offshore market with putting our AStars into the Gulf of Mexico. "He sold probably more aircraft into that market than anyone has ever done again," Reuland said.
Thorn was an extremely positive and knowledgeable person, said Reuland, a colleague and friend for about 25 years. He retired from American Eurocopter in July 1991, but continued to work as an industry consultant and later as a real estate agent. Thorn requested that people send flowers to a loved one, rather than to his funeral. "He was always thoughtful," Sprinkle said. "I can hear him saying that, 'Don't send flowers to my funeral, send them to someone you love in my honor.' That would make him very, very happy."
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Kim Skates of Cleveland, Texas; and three sisters, Clara Pyatte of San Antonio, Mary Ware of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Martha Ware of Atlanta.
Memorials other than flowers to a loved one may be made to LifeLine Shelter for Families Inc., or Prairie Paws animal shelter. Services were held at First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd Street, Grand Prairie, Texas on Tuesday, August 27th.
US Army
Korea Vietnam
The North Texas Community has lost a great Friend and advocate. City Councilman Bill Thorn passed away Saturday, August 24th. His funeral will be Tuesday, August 27, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd.
In lieu of flowers, Councilman Thorn preferred those so inclined send flowers to someone they love or make a donation to Lifeline Shelter for Families or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter.
Councilman Thorn loved serving Grand Prairie both in this role as City Councilman and as a local Realtor. He was always there with his sweet smile and he gave the most wonderful hugs! He was an advocate for transportation in our area and for keeping the business climate strong. He was always at the ready with his literary references to convince you what was right for Grand Prairie. Please keep Lila in your prayers. Before he was elected to the Grand Prairie City Council in 2005, William Forrest"Bill" Thorn had a long career working with helicopters. He maintained, flew, tested, sold and even herded cattle with helicopters before he focused on civic service.
Thorn, 80, died Saturday of natural causes at his Grand Prairie home. Services were Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie. Thorn - like fellow council member Ruthe Jackson, who died Aug. 9 - was dedicated to helping others in Grand Prairie. Both vacancies will be filled in a special election Nov. 5. "Bill was always looking forward, looking ahead for ways to make things better," said Grand Prairie spokeswoman Amy Sprinkle. "It was always very beneficial to have a person like that on the City Council." Thorn served on the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Board and the Airport Advisory Board before he was elected to represent District 3 on the City Council. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011. "He felt like he was being of service to people and helping the community around him," said his wife, Lila Thorn of Grand Prairie. "He was very service-oriented."
Thorn was born in Lowell, W.Va., where he lived until his family moved to Virginia when he was 7. He became an Air Force helicopter mechanic and later trained to be a pilot. He transferred to the Army, where he completed 14 years in the military. Thorn moved to North Texas to be a civilian contractor at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells. "He was basically a test pilot at that time," his wife said. After Mineral Wells, Thorn was one of the first helicopter cowboys, herding cattle in South Texas, his wife said. "He actually helped develop some of the cattle pens so cattle could be worked with a helicopter," she said.
Thorn was always trying to better himself, his wife Thorn said. He attended Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., and the University of Texas at Arlington. "He was always looking for ways to advance and learn more," his wife said. "He took all kinds of courses." In 1968, he became a salesman for Bell Helicopter, where he helped introduce the JetRanger for police and medical service. In February 1976, Thorn joined Aerospatiale in Grand Prairie, now American Eurocopter, where he was director of sales. "He was a very successful salesperson," said Brenda Reuland, American Eurocopter's vice president of communications. "He was very successful in the offshore market with putting our AStars into the Gulf of Mexico. "He sold probably more aircraft into that market than anyone has ever done again," Reuland said.
Thorn was an extremely positive and knowledgeable person, said Reuland, a colleague and friend for about 25 years. He retired from American Eurocopter in July 1991, but continued to work as an industry consultant and later as a real estate agent. Thorn requested that people send flowers to a loved one, rather than to his funeral. "He was always thoughtful," Sprinkle said. "I can hear him saying that, 'Don't send flowers to my funeral, send them to someone you love in my honor.' That would make him very, very happy."
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Kim Skates of Cleveland, Texas; and three sisters, Clara Pyatte of San Antonio, Mary Ware of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Martha Ware of Atlanta.
Memorials other than flowers to a loved one may be made to LifeLine Shelter for Families Inc., or Prairie Paws animal shelter. Services were held at First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd Street, Grand Prairie, Texas on Tuesday, August 27th.
Korea Vietnam
The North Texas Community has lost a great Friend and advocate. City Councilman Bill Thorn passed away Saturday, August 24th. His funeral will be Tuesday, August 27, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd.
In lieu of flowers, Councilman Thorn preferred those so inclined send flowers to someone they love or make a donation to Lifeline Shelter for Families or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter.
Councilman Thorn loved serving Grand Prairie both in this role as City Councilman and as a local Realtor. He was always there with his sweet smile and he gave the most wonderful hugs! He was an advocate for transportation in our area and for keeping the business climate strong. He was always at the ready with his literary references to convince you what was right for Grand Prairie. Please keep Lila in your prayers. Before he was elected to the Grand Prairie City Council in 2005, William Forrest"Bill" Thorn had a long career working with helicopters. He maintained, flew, tested, sold and even herded cattle with helicopters before he focused on civic service.
Thorn, 80, died Saturday of natural causes at his Grand Prairie home. Services were Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie. Thorn - like fellow council member Ruthe Jackson, who died Aug. 9 - was dedicated to helping others in Grand Prairie. Both vacancies will be filled in a special election Nov. 5. "Bill was always looking forward, looking ahead for ways to make things better," said Grand Prairie spokeswoman Amy Sprinkle. "It was always very beneficial to have a person like that on the City Council." Thorn served on the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Board and the Airport Advisory Board before he was elected to represent District 3 on the City Council. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011. "He felt like he was being of service to people and helping the community around him," said his wife, Lila Thorn of Grand Prairie. "He was very service-oriented."
Thorn was born in Lowell, W.Va., where he lived until his family moved to Virginia when he was 7. He became an Air Force helicopter mechanic and later trained to be a pilot. He transferred to the Army, where he completed 14 years in the military. Thorn moved to North Texas to be a civilian contractor at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells. "He was basically a test pilot at that time," his wife said. After Mineral Wells, Thorn was one of the first helicopter cowboys, herding cattle in South Texas, his wife said. "He actually helped develop some of the cattle pens so cattle could be worked with a helicopter," she said.
Thorn was always trying to better himself, his wife Thorn said. He attended Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., and the University of Texas at Arlington. "He was always looking for ways to advance and learn more," his wife said. "He took all kinds of courses." In 1968, he became a salesman for Bell Helicopter, where he helped introduce the JetRanger for police and medical service. In February 1976, Thorn joined Aerospatiale in Grand Prairie, now American Eurocopter, where he was director of sales. "He was a very successful salesperson," said Brenda Reuland, American Eurocopter's vice president of communications. "He was very successful in the offshore market with putting our AStars into the Gulf of Mexico. "He sold probably more aircraft into that market than anyone has ever done again," Reuland said.
Thorn was an extremely positive and knowledgeable person, said Reuland, a colleague and friend for about 25 years. He retired from American Eurocopter in July 1991, but continued to work as an industry consultant and later as a real estate agent. Thorn requested that people send flowers to a loved one, rather than to his funeral. "He was always thoughtful," Sprinkle said. "I can hear him saying that, 'Don't send flowers to my funeral, send them to someone you love in my honor.' That would make him very, very happy."
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Kim Skates of Cleveland, Texas; and three sisters, Clara Pyatte of San Antonio, Mary Ware of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Martha Ware of Atlanta.
Memorials other than flowers to a loved one may be made to LifeLine Shelter for Families Inc., or Prairie Paws animal shelter. Services were held at First Baptist Church, 122 NE 2nd Street, Grand Prairie, Texas on Tuesday, August 27th.
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