Dominique D. Thornton

Dominique D’Anthony Thornton, 29 of Wichita, KS made his transition from this earthly home August 10, 2025. He was born March 3, 1996 at Mercy hospital in Independence KS to Joan Thornton and Norman Hiner. Dominique was born “South side” by blood and “East side” by hood. He received his formal education from USD 446, Independence KS, where he graduated class of ’14. Dominique and his East side “Day1’s” were the first group of youth to start boxing with Mr. Henry before there was even a building for Upper Cut Boxing Club. They spent many hours in Mr. Henry’s front yard learning boxing techniques. Still, basketball is undoubtedly his first love. Dominique loved basketball! He played basketball all throughout his childhood into adulthood. During his basketball journey, Dominique played on various teams. He played as a Bulldog in middle school and high school for many years under Coaches Craig Null & Marcus Lanning. As an IHS Bulldog, his team went to state for the first time since his parents were Bulldogs. He was the first of his brothers to play for the Magic Basketball team. In true Dominique fashion, He never missed the opportunity to remind everyone he was the coaches nephew. Dominique took pride in being coached by his Uncle Ronnie and Steve! After graduating high school, he moved to Wichita KS where he played for Mid-Town Prestige until he was physically unable to. Dominique loved being a big brother and cousin! He LOVED his family PERIOD! When he said, “FOE”, he stood on it. The dictionary should have his picture placed right by the word LOYALTY. He’s known by so many as a protector. Dominique spent most of his time driving the majority of his loved ones crazy because in his mind, he’s everyone’s daddy. This, he did not play about. He took his role in his Day 1’s lives very seriously. Everyone knew when he was just playing and when he wasn’t. He had a passion for helping people and looking out for the “underdog”. He held no respect of an individual’s status. He didn’t care about a person’s walk of life. He treated everyone with respect. Whether he knew you or not, anyone in his presence was safe and would be cared for however they needed. He always said, “We don’t bully…We bully bullies”! Dominique loved so hard! We all knew we could count on Dominique to check on you regularly, help elders in the community, spend time with the little kids, and mentor those coming up. He truly was such an inspiration to so many! Dominique was a beacon of hope, kindness and love for all that knew him. Dominique is preceded in death by his maternal great grandmothers Luella Green and Mozelle Jenkins; maternal grandfather John E. Thornton; paternal grandmother Marcella Lenon, Grandparents Charles and Julia Deffebaugh; godfather Charles “Bugsy” Wilson; Papa Avana Pouncil; Great Uncle Johnny Lenon Dominique leaves to cherish his memories Parents: Charles Deffebaugh, Joan Thornton and Norman Hiner; Grandmother: Dorthy Thornton, Elizabeth Lenon; Granfather: Norman Hiner Sr. Brothers: Elijah Thornton, Prince Charles Thornton, David Thornton, Tre’mon Ancor, Charles .R. Deffebaugh II; Sisters: Chakeria Harris, Justice Hiner, Sativa Scott, Nautica Monea, Alexis Brown, Charlesia Deffebaugh, Juliah Deffebaugh; Maternal/Paternal Aunts & Uncles; God mothers Stephanie McCoy and Maelene Wilson; God Siblings Char Wilson and Davion Sales; “The Aunties”, a very special little girl Nova Stuckey-Nero and a HOST of other Family & Friends.