Carl Thornton

Carl Thornton, 58, of Galion, went to be with his Lord Monday, May 18, 2009 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Born June 13, 1950 in Charleston, West Virginia, he was the son of Boyd Thornton and Betty Shawver Thornton-Tucker. He graduated from Clearfork High School in 1968 then immediately started at the Ohio Brass Company until 1981 as a foreman and Safety director. On December 23, 1968, Carl enlisted in the U.S. army and served two years in Vietnam and one year in Japan as an Army Intelligence sergeant. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Ashland College in 1979, he secured a position with 3M as a Sales Representative where he excelled in every facet of the company, receiving numerous awards and promotions over his 29 year career. In 1995, Carl attained the highest sales position as Account Executive within 3M's Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division. Always striving for perfection, Carl was awarded the 2006 Northeast Sales Representative of the year. In 2007, Carl joined 3M's CHIM Division as safety manager where he was responsible for training the 3M sales force. Carl was also involved in the Greater Mansfield Safety Council for 27 years where he served as president for two years. He was a member of the Northeastern Ohio American Industrial Hygiene Association for 24 years, during which time he held positions as president and vice president. Above all, Carl loved spending time with his family. He loved being a grandfather to his grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Paw-Paw" and always ran laughing when the "claw" came after them. He enjoyed the wonderful trips and gatherings with his family and friends. He always had a soft spot for the family pets, especially Kaylee Jo and Sadie. Carl was an avid OSU fan and everyone said he "bled scarlet and grey". He also loved playing power volleyball through the Galion YMCA, golfing, woodworking, remodeling homes, working around the house in his garden and workshop.

He is survived by his wife, Peg Thornton, whom he married April 7, 1973; son, Scott Michelle Thornton of Galion, two daughters, Amber Jon Van Houten of Mansfield, Brittany Aaron Shumate Thornton of Columbus; grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Nathanial, Noah, and Chloe Thornton of Galion, and Addyson and Austin Van Houten of Mansfield; mother, Betty Thornton-Tucker; mother-in-law, Shirley Whisler-Sheridan of Shelby; father-in-law, Jim Sheridan of Shelby; siblings, John Lisa Thornton, Darlis David Horn, and Donald Kathy Phillips Thornton, all of Bellville; sisters-in-law, Becky Lee Wilkins of Shelby, and Lori John Switzer of Jacksonville, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Boyd Thornton; stepfather, Walter Tucker; father-in-law, Carl Whisler; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Russell Stanford. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Bellville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.