Edward "Gator" Thornal, age 71 of the Echo community in Orange, Texas, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016 in Groves, Texas. Services will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Dorman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ruth Logan-Burch officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in West Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, July 15, 2016 at Dorman Funeral Home.

Edward was born on November 6, 1944 to EE "Bud" Thornal and Jewel Peveto Thornal. He worked many years as a longshoreman with Local 22. He volunteered as a diver for CRAC Unit in Orange. Edward also spent time volunteering for the Lions Club Carnival and working with his friend , Ruby for the My Wish Foundation. He loved fishing and enjoyed telling wonderful stories to his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Billy Thornal and James Thornal and one sister, Dorothy Plant.

Surivors include a brother, Floyd "Punkin" Thornal of Orange, TX. Two sisters; Freda Dubke and her husband Clifford of the Echo community in Orange, TX and Janet Almaguer of Orange, TX. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc. 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263, www.donations@rmhc.org

 Service Information