WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mark Andrew Thornton, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, Oct 29th, 2024, at his home in Colon surrounded by loved ones.
Mark was born in Salem, Ohio on March 12, 1960, the youngest of four children, to J.W. Thornton & Norma Jean Stuart. Mark was a proud Magi and longtime Colon resident – graduating from Colon High School in 1978 and remaining local in his choice to attend Western Michigan University where he received his bachelor’s degree. On November 12th, 1983, Mark married another Colon local, Debbra Decker, at the Kanley Chapel on the campus of WMU. A year later, they made the decision to move back to Colon where they raised three children, Taylor (Michelle Modad) Thornton of Seattle, Jared (AJ) Thornton of Union City, Paige (Kyle Knapp) Thornton of Brighton.
Mark worked hard to provide for his family, starting with Larry Engel Ford, moving to Burr Oak Tool, and finally landing at Pfizer in Portage. In 2007, Mark was in an automobile accident that left him a quadriplegic. For many this would be the end of a life but for Mark it was another day of hard work; one that he would happily endure to spend another day with his wife and to hear his kids stories about their changing lives. Never one to complain, he was always genuinely interested in the lives of those he spent time with, never losing his smile or sense of humor when he was having a tough day.
Mark would tell you his greatest enjoyment was being a supportive father and most recently a grandfather to Quinn, Annie, and Drew. He spent much of his spare time coaching little league, rocket football, and junior pro basketball. He cherished the many hours spent cheering at games, playing catch in the yard and driving kids to the many activities they were part of.
Mark is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings David (Mary) Thornton of Portage, Joe Thornton of Colon, and Wendy (Greg) Evans of Three Rivers, many nieces and nephews, and special friends Randy and Sandi Jackson of Colon.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Carroll ”Cal” Shoop.
The Family would like to sincerely thank Kelly of Bronson at Home and Kacey and Nicole of Centrica Hospice for their compassion and devoted care.
In keeping with Mark’s wishes, a cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at the Colon United Methodist Church from 2 to 5PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Colon Rescue Squad. Envelopes will be available at church.
Arrangements by Schipper Funeral Home.
