I am so very sorry to hear that Robert passed away. You have my deepest sympathy. His service to our country during WWII will not go unforgotten especially today being Veterans Day. He will be remembered always as one of our heroes. I knew Robert and his family when they lived in Dutton. Although it has been several years since I saw him last I still remember him from those days. His younger brother Jack has been a close friend of the Ploeg family for many years. Jack and his mother lived with Robert for a time. I also see Roberts oldest brother, Vern, during the winter months at Reflections in Fl. Robert will be missed by all that knew him.

 Posted by Jim Ploeg - Fairview, OR November 11, 2009

We will miss and remember Robert for his service to his country as well as his years of service and dedication and loyalty to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and our post 702. We will proudly make a contribution to the DAV in his name.

 Posted by Steven Van Valkenburg - Grand Rapids, MI November 11, 2009

Dearest Family members of Robert Thornton,
 With deepest sympathy in the loss of a brother, husband, uncle, great uncle and father to 8 beautiful children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
 We know not why things like this happen but we do know the bible tells us before we are even conceive, He knows the day He will call us to our destiny.
 Each of my older brothers, Vern, Virgil and Robert all served in WWII defending our country against the enemy and all were Honorably Discharged with many medals. Today is Veterans Day and I would like to honor Robert not only as a special brother but a Hero of WWII.
 January 6 1943, my 2nd “Big Brother Robert Thornton age 19 was inducted in the Army Air Force. Robert served in the Asiatic-Pacific, Fort Sheridan, IL. Great Ben, KA, Cuba, Salt Lake City, Utah; Tacoma, Washington, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the Island of Guam. Robert was assigned as a Medical Corpsman to a B-29 Squadron, being the largest bomber in WWII. I vividly remember an official Army Staff vehicle coming to our home with tickets and announcing that our local Majestic Theater in Grand Rapids, MI will be honoring a newsreel clip of the returning B-29 Squadron. We all anxiously went to the local theater and viewed many aircraft crash landings. I saw my Big Brother Robert exiting his plane and running to help crewmembers escape from their crashed planes. Robert was discharged January 1945.
 How fortunate my parents and I were to have all three of my “Big Brothers return home safely while so many made the ultimate sacrifice, they are the Hero’s!
 Robert was very instrumental in raising me along with my 2 other brothers, at the age of 8 years old when my father passed away in February 12 1946. They all played a very special part in my childhood life.
 I have vivid memories of Robert fishing, hunting, playing ball, and teaching me mechanical. Abilities. One vivid memory, when my shotgun broke, Robert took a nail, heated it red-hot and hammered the ejector to fit my shotgun and it is still there today and works great! He could fix anything!
 A sad time in my life and now losing one of my Hero’s, I only regret that life would have allowed me more quality time to spend with a special brother for I did not know he was ill.
 May God truly bless you all as you mourn the loss of a loved one and may you feel God’s presence as you are trusting in his power.
 Sincerely with love, Jack and Gerry

 Posted by Jack & Gerry Thornton - Byron Center, MI November 12, 2009

I will always think of Robert as my Dad. He was the only father that my sister and I knew and I loved him very much. I was very fortunate to have known this kind and gentle man.

 Posted by Robin Burman - Gardners, PA November 12, 2009

I remember my dad's love for growing things. His roses and vegetables always graced the house. I"m sure I got my love for growing flowers from him. I also remember the many games of checkers and chess we played for "smarties" candies. I only wish that we had had more time to spend with him. He will be missed.

 Posted by Judi DeMink - Cedar Springs, MI November 12, 2009

Dear Thornton Family, So sorry for your loss. Always liked your dad. I remember many times of fun on Corrine. My thoughts are with you and a big loving hug to all of you.

 Posted by Sue Schrumpf Little - Holland, MI November 13, 2009

OBITUARY

Robert W. Thornton

August 4, 1923 – November 9, 2009

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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