Thornton Stone Gapen was born July 9, 1915, to Ralph and Frances (Stone) Gapen in Monroe, Wis.

The family moved to Pittsburg, Calif., in 1926. Thornton met Mable Case in Concord, Calif., when they were 16. They were married Nov. 9, 1935.

Thornton was a minister, receiving his credentials from the Assemblies of God in June 1935.

He and his wife, Mable, pastored in Clear Creek, Calif., on the Klamath River, among the Kuruck Indians; Calvary Temple, Concord; and Applegate Community Church, Applegate. In 1981, they moved to The Dalles, where Thornton became the first chaplain of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center. In 1994 they moved to Albany to be near family. There Thornton provided chaplain services for Evergreen Hospice Service, and filled in for the hospital chaplain.

In 2002, at the age of 87, he retired. He continued to minister to individuals until his death. He especially loved going to the Villas and cardiac rehabilitation, both places he visited the week prior to his death.

Thornton was a hardworking man, building two churches, and working as a carpenter to supplement the income. He never was interested in fame or fortune. He had a true gift of accepting people where they were, never judging, but always available to meet them at their point of need - his integrity impeccable, His love of people evident.

He is survived by his children, Virginia Brown and husband Vern, Miriam Gapen, and Marilyn Stutzman and husband Kevin; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister Evelyn Ellison. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Marian and Ruth; and his beloved wife, Mable, who died Dec. 25, 2005, after 70 years of marriage.

A service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Oak Creek Christian Center in Albany. Private burial will be at Willamette Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice or Oak Creek Christian Center Benevolence Fund in care of AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).