WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Larry L. Thornton, 75, of Burr Oak, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family, after several months of failing health.
Larry was born Feb. 19, 1938 in Sherwood, his parents were Jesse and Velma (Wilcox) Thornton.
Larry attended Colon Schools and had served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
On Sept. 28, 1957 he married Mitzi K. Holsinger in Centreville.
Larry had made his home at his present address since 1967. He had worked for 13 years at the Carbon Coated Paper Company in Sturgis and later for 35 years at Burr Oak Tool and Gauge Company of Sturgis, retiring in 2003.
He was a life member of the Sturgis Eagles, a member of the Sturgis Elks, St. Joseph Valley Old Engine Association, and Heritage Trails Harley Owners Group of Sturgis.
Larry enjoyed antique tractors, antique cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, but most of all he loved time spent with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mitzi Thornton of Burr Oak; daughter, Robin (Scott) Weekly of Burr Oak; son, Lance (Deb) Thornton of Sturgis; three grandchildren, Joshua Weekly of Burr Oak, Trevor and Kayla Thornton of Sturgis; sister, Kay Lafler of Colon; half brother, Robert Wagner of Colon; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Mildred Holsinger; and his beloved dog Stormy.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, from 6-8 p.m. and Monday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Larry L. Thornton will be Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Locust Grove Mennonite Church with Mr. David J. Farrell officiating. Private burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery in Colon. If desired the family suggest memorials be made in memory of Larry to either the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032 or the Colon Community Historical Society, P.O. Box 136, Colon, MI 49040. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
