Richard Dale Thornton, 89 of Mansfield, Texas passed away Nov. 8. He was a longtime pastor, missionary and church planter.
Dale accepted Christ as his Savior in 1946 during a church revival where his uncle, Ray Turner, served as pastor. In 1954, he surrendered his life to the call of gospel ministry, beginning a faithful service that would span 71 years.
Dale attended Jacksonville College, Hardin-Simmons University and the BMA Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. He began his ministry pastoring Baptist churches in Texas, including Friendship Baptist Church in Goree, Enterprise Baptist Church in Jacksonville and Friendship Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant.
On July 3, 1961, Dale and his wife, Barbara, arrived in Taiwan to begin what would become 40 years of missionary service with the BMA. While in Taiwan, Dale ministered with Hsin-Sheng South Road Church and later planted Taichung Gospel Baptist Church, New City Baptist Church and Ping Lin Gospel Baptist Church in the Taichung area. Their ministry touched both adults and children and was recognized by the president of Taiwan following their 25th year of service and by the premier of Taiwan after 40 years — rare honors from the nation’s top leaders.
During this time, Dale also served as coordinator of missions in Asia, extending his ministry to India, Myanmar (Burma), South Korea and the Philippines.
Following their return to the United States, Dale accepted the pastorate of First Baptist Church in Las Colinas, Texas in 2001, where he served for 24 years. There, he helped establish a family-oriented ministry and launched multiple missions congregations, including a Cantonese congregation, the Chinese Church of Lewisville and Torcha de Fe Baptist Church. His missionary influence continues today, as First Baptist Las Colinas hosts several Indian missions congregations.
On Aug. 9, 1957, Dale married Barbara Gene Stringer, whom he affectionately called “his precious jewel.” Together, they shared 68 years of marriage and ministry partnership.
Survivors include his wife, 5 children — Judy LaNell (Robert Rohlin); Belinda Jane (Stephen Thomas), Andrew Robert Thornton, Joanna Thornton and Rebecca Thornton; 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. A committal service was held Nov. 29, at Bear Creek Cemetery in Euless, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Dale Thornton to BMA Global Missions at bmaglobal.org/dalethornton or mailed to BMA Global Missions, PO Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033.
