Comments on: Melvin Chandler Thornton

By: Jamalee Stone

Jamalee Stone — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:33:59 +0000

I am saddened to learn of Mel’s passing. He was a mentor for me during the Nebraska Math Scholars and beyond. His enthusiasm for mathematics was present in everything. What a special person!

By: Jeanine Lewis

Jeanine Lewis — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 21:05:38 +0000

I just read the news of Dr. Thornton’s passing in the fall publishing of the University of Nebraska’s Math News. My sincere condolences to the family. I was one of Dr. Thornton’s advisees while working on my MAT in Mathematics and also one of the secondary teachers that participated in the Western Mathematics Scholars Program a few years later. It was my pleasure to have him as a role model and an educator that truly loved teaching.

By: Louis De Grazia

Louis De Grazia — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:44:31 +0000

Mel Thornton was a Prince of a man, ideal husband and father and friend.
Not only a Professor recognized by his peers, but a craftsman who would not refuse any project, big or small. He was a superb dialogic partner, whether about academic subjects or day today items. The beauty of his mind and heart will be sorely missed by his lifetime partner,
Rosemary, and each of their four children. One could ask for no better friend. He will be missed beyond imagining.

By: Mike and Karen Coe

Mike and Karen Coe — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:42:09 +0000

Our thoughts are with Rosemary. She and Mel worked with us many years on National Wildlife Week and the NeWF Board. He will be greatly missed. We are sending a memorial to Leave a Legacy at NeWF in his name!

By: Delivee Wright

Delivee Wright — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 14:56:44 +0000

I was so very saddened to learn of Mel’s passing. He was truly a treasure to this world and to the thousands of students he mentored. His teaching accolades were well deserved, and his contributions to the ADAPT Program, Centennial Program,
and the Academy of Distinguished Teachers were always in support of student learning. I was so pleased when he became the Nebraska Professor of the Year.
Even after retirement he continued to work to make this a better world with his
and Rosemary’s work in nature conservation. I will always appreciate having the opportunity to know Mel and Rosemary, and to count them as my friends. Mel will be greatly missed.

By: Steve Thede

Steve Thede — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:38:10 +0000

Mel was a person who “made a difference” to those around him and his community – including many many people who will never know what he did for them. Of particular note is what he did to help create and support the Niobrara National Scenic River. On behalf of all the park rangers and staff at Niobrara National Scenic River, know that we will miss him and we thank him for what he did and stood for, and most importantly, who he was.

By: David Logan

David Logan — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:16:52 +0000

Mel was a friendly, kind human being and students were drawn to him! He was an outstanding teacher and faculty member and greatly respected by his peers. He loved his family! Our deepest sympathy to his dear family and lovely Rosemary. He will not be forgotten. Tess and David Logan

By: Kari Ronning

Kari Ronning — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 13:19:08 +0000

My condolences to Mel Thornton’s family. Although I did not know him myself, I knew his name from my late father, Royce Ronning, who valued him as a friend and a colleague. I am sorry to hear of his death.

By: Mark Brohman

Mark Brohman — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 21:43:50 +0000

Mel was a real gem. I enjoyed my time on the Friends of the Museum Board with Mel at UNL.

By: Jim and Pam Walter

Jim and Pam Walter — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:36:30 +0000

Pam and I send our condolences to the Thornton family. Mel was such a great colleague to we education faculty. A sense of joy was always evident as he taught his students and collaborated with us on projects. Before football games we’d see he and Rosemary watching the NU Marching Band rehearsal. We will miss Mel!