Paul Thornton

Paul Thornton, age 68 of Haslett, MI passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024. He was born in Elsie, Michigan on February 2, 1956 to Norval and Katherine (Fabus) Thornton. Paul graduated from Ovid/Elsie High School and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree of Fine Arts from Lansing Community College.

In his early years, Paul worked in the family residential construction business. Paul was an excellent finish carpenter. He built his home and garage/barn with an attached art studio and gallery.

Paul’s true passion was art. After graduating from LCC, he continued, there, teaching Figure Painting. Paul’s artistic talents were varied from painting to macramé and sculpture. Whether in painting or sculpture, Paul concentrated on the male figure. His paintings were often done in public places – restaurants and bars. Paul had many art exhibits in the Lansing Area, but especially in the Old Town District.

Paul was also an accomplished sculptor. He worked in terracotta, creating unique “pot head” figures used as planters or bird houses. Paul’s works were featured in several Cracked Pot pottery tours.

Paul was always busy. He was an avid morel mushroom hunter. May would find him in the woods every single day. He always made quite a haul. He liked to cook. He was a gardener. He filled his 2 acre yard with beautiful flower beds, busy all summer with their upkeep. His landscapes were featured in two Greater Lansing Garden Tours.

Paul is survived by his husband and partner of 43 years Scott Petto; sisters Nancy (Kenn) Waggoner, Kathy (Don) Pattison and special sister-in-law Connie Thornton; brothers Al (Charlotte) Thornton, Eric (Brenda) Thornton and Ed Thornton; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

In honor of Paul’s memory, donations can be made to WOES Ovid/Elsie The Polka Palace, The Capital Area Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

Paul touched many lives and will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

I love you Hon!

Oct 24, 1981

Across The Dance Floor