Oakley D. Thornton

Holt, Michigan

Oakley Daniel Thornton, 93, of Holt, MI passed away September 7, 2015. He was born on May 28, 1922 in Charlotte, MI to Roy and Hazel (Curry) Thornton. He was a proud veteran of WWII having flown 50 missions out of Italy as a B-24 tail gunner. His love of aviation continued into civilian life and he obtained his pilot’s license and owned a Piper Vagabond. He was an avid fisherman and loved walking the Lake Michigan beach. He was Assistant Personnel Director at Sparrow Hospital for many years and later Director of Personnel at Jackson Osteopathic Hospital. Engaging and personable he was loved by friends and family. His warmth and friendliness to everyone he met made him a special person. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Thornton; son, Donald Wythe; and his wife, the love of his life, Elaine Eva (Dennis Wythe) Thornton. He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Robert) Nichols; daughter-in-law, Connie Wythe; grandchildren, Terry (Tracy) Wythe, Jerry Wythe, Gary Wythe, Teresa (Kenneth) Peterson, Wendy (John) Beckett, Evan Nichols, Laura (Geoffrey) Mayers; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. The Funeral service will on be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI with the Rev. Andy Croel officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Holt, MI. The family will receive friends at visitation on Friday, September 11 at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

On line condolences may be made at www.grbdmason.com