Centenarian Celebrations: Forrest Thornton

Forrest Thornton, A Union Carbide retiree tuned 100 on February 2, 2020. A centenarian celebration for the Houston Carbider took place at the Tracy Gee Community Center in Houston. Along with various chapter members, Forrest’s children Tim Thornton and spouse Dianne, daughters Marilyn Thornton and Diane Lawrence attended the celebration. 

The celebration quickly developed into telling long ago stories about Forrest transferring from South Charleston to the Houston Engineering Group under the direction of Gordon Mounts in the mid-1960s. Forrest shared stories about WWII in Germany and his first days working at Carbide in South Charleston. A highlight of the party was learning at age 90-96, Forrest wrote and published a book, “Report For Duty” (available on Amazon). The Houston Carbider’s chapter presented Forrest with an inscribed 5x9” crystal plaque identifying the celebration and Dow sent him a Union Carbide blanket & letter congratulating Forrest on turning 100 and thanking him for his years of Union Carbide Service. 

Shortly after the celebration, his family wrote: “The gathering was very meaningful for my Dad and the rest of the family enjoyed it immensely. We were originally at a loss at how to celebrate his Birthday because of his limitations, though we knew we would have a family gathering on Sunday. But this event was perfect and filled in the missing piece of the puzzle of what to do for him.” And, four months later, “We are still reliving this wonderful event. It was so meaningful to all of us and we enjoyed talking with all who came. Originally, we were uncertain if we could have a celebration for my Dad due to his limitations in walking and hearing. But in the end, we felt it was perfect! Thanks again for organizing it, for attending and for those who brought the food - which was delicious and easy to manage as we all wanted to talk with you all.”