Harold Dean Thornton, 86, of Bismarck passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022.  He was born August 11, 1936, in Bismarck, the son of the late Y.B. and AleEne Hall Thornton.  Harold worked in law enforcement for 26 years, serving on the HSC Sheriff's Department and the Malvern Police Department.  He also worked in forestry for 5 years.  Harold enjoyed working with cattle. Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandfather, Alphonso A. Thornton; son, Wesley Dean Thornton; grandson, Nicholas King; sister, Diane Robbins and step-grandson, Joseph Brewer.

Survivors, son, Harold Dean "Bud" Thornton, Jr. (wife, Janet) of Bismarck; daughters, Deana King (husband, Greg) of Bismarck and Cheana Conrad of Hot Springs; brothers, Leon Thornton (wife, Jean) of Bismarck; brother-in-law, Johnny Robbins;   grandchildren, Chad King, Corey King (wife, Destiny), Courtney Poole (husband, Justin), Brittany Garner (husband, Cody), Jonathan Thornton (wife, Taylor) and Cassidy Nazario (Shalom); step grandson, David Brewer; great grandchildren, Drake, Sadie, Bristol, Byron, Willow, Farrah and Brooks; step great grandchildren, Vincent, Ryder and Bayleigh; great-great grandchild, Myler and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, December 30 from 6:00-8:00pm at Regency Funeral Home.

Services will be Saturday, December 31 at 2:00pm at Regency Funeral Home with Brother Thomas Sowles officiating.  Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Chad King, Corey King, Justin Poole, Shalom Nazario, Jonathan Thornton and Cody Garner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Drake King, Douglas McDaniel, Jimmy Jackson, Jimmy Rogers, Darwin Bergen, Bruce Thornton and Scotty Diffee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.