Rex Thornley

Ilwaco resident Rex Thornley, 82, died July 10, 2007 in Long Beach. The son of Lawrence and Hazel (Wood) Thornley, he was born in Ogden, Utah on August 3, 1924. He moved with his family to East Los Angeles, California where he received his education. Rex entered service with the United States Army on September 16, 1942. Initially he served with a horse cavalry unit which soon became a motorcycle unit part of the 1st Battalion, 245th Infantry of the 63rd Division. He served in the European Theatre of action and saw action at he infamous Colmar Pocket. His unit was awarded a Presidential Citation with 3 Campaign Stars. Returning from duty in February of 1946, Rex again settled in East Los Angeles. Having honed his truck driving skills in the Army, he initially delivered bread. He then became a coast to coast long haul truck driver, working for many years for ABCO Trucking of Baldwin Park, California. Fifteen years ago, following retirement, Rex settled in Ilwaco to be near family. He enjoyed golf and keeping in touch with old friends. He took pride in his independence and was very much his own person. He and Lula Halby were married August 9, 1947. They later divorced but remained best of friends and soul mates. She survives residing in Fredericktown, Missouri. Rex is survived by his daughter Charlene Welch of Ilwaco, WA; brother Kenneth "Hank " Thornley of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren Larry Welch and Tammy Parker; and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his son-in-law Bruce Sunyich, his Army buddy Al Orsini and his trucking buddy Roy Mattox. His son Rex Thornley Jr. died while serving his country during the Viet Nam Conflict. Several other siblings also died earlier. Family and friends have gathered at Penttila's Chapel By The Sea for their final farewell. A memorial service may be announced later. The guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.