What a beautiful human being! What an exceptional man, husband, father, friend and leader! I had the privilege of being a part of the most amazing home Bible study and worship group at Kevin and JoAnne’s during the 80s. Miracles happened there. So much joy and happiness! One day when I was getting groceries at the Bi-Rite on Belair Road, funds were tight as always. Kevin saw me from the other side of the store and yelled my name, Linda King! PRAISE THE LORD! He came over to me in the checkout line and told the cashier that he would be paying for all my groceries. I’ve never met anyone like Kevin. Thank you Lord, for Kevin’s amazing life.

My sincerest condolences to the entire Thornton Family.  I worked with Kevin as an external provider for his quality assurance certification.  He was a gentleman's gentlemen and just a terrific person!  When I first spoke with Kevin my father was going through a major brain operation that had my life full of stress.  He was always so kind and understanding when I couldn't be there to provide things he needed.  From that point forward, he always asked without fail how my father was doing.  I never had the pleasure to meet him personally but without question he was a gem of a man!  He called me prior to his retirement just to let me know he was calling it a career.  I am just so glad I was able to convey very clearly to him how special of guy he was!  Thinking of you all during this difficult time!

Brett Pollock

Dear Mrs. Thornton and Family,

I just learned of Kevin's passing from this life.  I am so sorry to hear this and wish all of you comfort in this difficult time.

I  was privileged to meet Kevin for the first time in 2017 at his company in Statesville, NC.  He was on the team that lead his company to ISO registration and I was their external auditor.

Both personally and professionally in my travels, I have never met a nicer person.  He was a wonderful family man and many times spoke so fondly of you and all the family.  His life was a great witness for Christ.   It was apparent when I visited each year  that   he was loved and greatly respected by his co-workers and I am sure they will miss him too.  

He crossed my mind late August and I sent a text to see how he was doing.  He sent me a family photo  from July at  the beach in OC Md .  He looked and  sounded so happy to be able to spend so much time with his family and working on your daughter's house  project.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Sincerely,
Judi Markel


Dear JoAnne, Brady, Kiley, and Bridget,

I have so many wonderful memories of Kevin and the entire family, both in person, through posts, singing in the choir at Bridgeway, but most of all the laughs, and talking about Jesus. Every time I think of him it brings the biggest smile to my heart and on my face.  Kevin loves you all so much including all his grandchildren.  It is such a huge loss but he is with Jesus. I hope and pray peace and comfort for all of you now and always.  Kevin will be so so missed. 
Love always and forever, 
Cassandra

We only met Kevin once, a few weeks ago at a neighborhood party.  But we liked him(and Joann) instantly.  He was funny, and friendly and smart, told great stories, and for my Irish born husband, his time in Ireland was a great source of conversation.   Also, he truly understood the job of a tool maker.  So we were really looking forward to having him as a friend and neighbor.  We were so sad to hear of his passing.  Our hearts go out to Joann and Brigette and the whole family.  Kevin was a lovely man.  

To the Thornton Family:

I have only had the pleasure of meeting Kevin once, at the William T.  Burnett & Co. crab feast/summer picnic in 2019 which I attended with Rodney Baker. 

I am so very sorry for your loss!  My first impression of Kevin was that he was an awesom person.  Rodney spoke very highly of him.    The family made me feel very comfortable and were a pleasure to spend time with.   I had hoped we could all get together again.

Please accept my sincere condolences. Your family are in my prayers..  Rest in Peace Kevin!

I have fond memories of Kevin when he travelled to Ireland for working with Ward International now BW Papersystems, always smiling and great company it was great to have shared in his company.  Thinking of all of his family at this time, treasure your happy memories and wishing Kevin peace.

JoAnne, Brady, Kiley and Bridget,

Thank you guys so much for sharing such an incredible spirit freely with the ones around you. Kevin changed the face of Christ in this and other communities across the country forever, and the seeds he planted will be growing and blossoming for generations. It is truly awesome what God was able to do through him. All the stuff that keeps coming out from different people with nothing in common besides how God touched them through Kevin. We personally loved his embrace and we will miss his twinkle. 

With thanks and reverence, Simeon & Sandra Happel

To: The Thornton Family.

My wife and I will miss Kevin's gentle voice and comforting songs. Our Prayers are with you and the rest of the family. May God provide the comfort that Kevin is by his side and everlasting peace.

Sincerely,

Richard and Vivian Arthur.

Dear Thornton family,
We were so saddened to hear of Mr. 
Kevin Thornton's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort you with His perfect peace, and may the many wonderful memories you shared together be a constant reminder of God's love and faithfulness. We love you all!❤️🙏🏻Mary Jane and Roy 
(Life Fellowship of Frederick)

Kevin is a one of a kind.  I was going through a rough patch in my life and I was deeply distressed.  Kevin called me up out of the blue.  I live in Arizona and Kevin was in Baltimore.  He said that he was going to be in Arizona and wanted to know if we could meet for dinner.  And so it began...Kevin would fly out for business and we would have dinner and talk.  This went on for years and we even brought our wives a couple of times and fellowshiped together.  Kevin was a mentor who accepted me as I was and helped me to understand that God could love me even at my very worst.  How did I know that, because Kevin did!  I have changed and I am ready to mentor others again.  I know this is a story that others can relate to.  I accept God's calling on my life to disciple others.  Kevin, we will miss you until we get there, but thank you for humbly submitting to God and His gracious gospel.  Thank you for being my example and mentor -a better man, father and friend I have never known.  Thank you Jesus for giving me such a tower of the faith!  Love and Peace to your family!   -Brian

OBITUARY

Kevin Michael Thornton

December 17, 1953 – September 10, 2021

Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.

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