Howard Ervin Thornton, 69, of Port Tobacco, MD, died January 4, 2011, at his residence with Hospice.

Mr. Thornton was an Electrician and Building Engineer for 45 years at EMCOR. He was a member of Pisgah United Methodist Church and was married to his wife Barbara for 51 years. He was a member of St. Columba and the American Legion. He loved to work in his yard and every year people would drive by to see his Christmas decorations. He loved to put up his train displays and keep them looking festive.

Born May 26, 1941, in Washington, DC, He was the son of the late Howard Ervin Thornton, Sr. And the late Nancy Louise Gravenor Thornton.

Predeceased by his parents.

Survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Jean Thornton; son, Howard Ervin Thornton III and his wife Lisa; daughters, Barbara J. Wrathell and her husband Russ; Cathy J. Stewart and her husband Glenn; Joan M. Tabler and her husband Joel; brother, John Thornton and his wife Barbara; sister, Nancy Tarbox and her husband Dewey. Also survived by eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 11AM to 1:30PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646.

Funeral Service will be on Saturday, January 8, 2011, beginning at 1:30PM, at Raymond Funeral Chapel.

Rev. Carl Snyder will officiate.

Interment will take place on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 11AM, at Wesleyan Memorial Gardens, 9690 Shepherds Creek Place, La Plata, MD 20646.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Charles County, P.O. Box 1703, La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.