Dennis "Denny" Lee Thornton, age 80, of Huntington, Indiana and formerly of Akron Ohio passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at his home. Denny served as an Akron Police Officer for 30 years when he retired as Police Captain. Throughout his life Denny was involved in several organizations such as the Moose Lodge Post 85, the Coventry-Akron Lodge No.83, F.&A.M., Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and was a loyal supporter of the Fraternal Order of Police. Denny was an active member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church when he still resided in Akron. He enjoyed bowling, golf, billiards, poker, and spending time with his grandchildren. Denny was a wonderful and hardworking provider for his family.
Denny was born on May 24, 1945 in Akron Ohio, a son of the late William J. and Harriet (Warner) Thornton.
Denny was united in marriage to Elizabeth H. Metcalf on June 20, 1965 in Akron. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2006. He then married Millie Richardson on June 30, 2008 in Huntington. His wife survives in Huntington.
Additional survivors include his children Thomas Thornton of Pittsburgh, and Matthew (Angel) Thornton of Akron, Michelle Mannion, Abbie (Jason Mekus) Richardson of Huntington, Eric (Tammy Buehler) Sell of Huntington, Aaron (Sandy) Sell of Huntington; Siblings: Nancy Shaffer of Akron, Jim (Cindy) Thornton of Akron, and Scott (Fran) Thornton of Florida, and Rose Marie Sherbine; twelve grandchildren: Bryan Mannion, Chelsea (Sam) Mannion, Eric (Leah) Mannion, Brooke Sell, Mariah Sell, Blake (Shayna) Vanover, Audra Kimmel, Cole (Maluree) Bolton, Payton Sell, Kyler Nondorf, Elijah Mekus, Brodie Kimmel, Avery Bolton; and eleven great grandchildren: Michael, Gio, Sammy, Shawn, Zaidee, Triton, Bruin, Kamani, Kyro, Kyleia, Averie; and a host of nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, a son: Perry Sell; a brother: Gerald Thornton; and a brother-in-law: Buddy Shaffer.
A visitation will held on Monday October 6, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel, located at 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington IN 46750.
Additional visitation will be held on Wednesday October 8, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eckard-Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, located at 760 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday October 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Eckard-Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, located at 760 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305.
Interment will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Akron Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made out to the donor's choice of charity, in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street Huntington IN 46750 or Eckard-Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, located at 760 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305.
