Peter “Barrie” Thornton

Peter “Barrie” Thornton

Peter “Barrie” Thornton, 83, of Elizabeth, WV, died Monday, September 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born in England a son of the late Donald and Marjorie (Hall) Thornton.

He retired after forty-eight years from Mullen Motors. He was a United States Army veteran. He was active with the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scout, and Girl Scouts. He coached both the Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High School Crew teams, and was Director of Mid-Ohio Valley Rowing Club.

He is survived by his children Jennifer Thornton, Denis Walker, and Christopher Thornton; two grandchildren Josh Taylor and Darian Taylor-Harsh; three great grandchildren Arabella Taylor-Harsh, Colton Taylor, and Lane Taylor; sister Charmaine Smithers (John); and niece Tracie Smithers. He was a foster parent to over fifty children including Zack Longfellow, Justin Taylor, and Justin Barker.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Susan Thornton.

Services will be Friday 11:00 AM at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg. Visitation will be Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 PM.