Theron Ellis Unrath

Theron E. Unrath, age 69, passed away on April 15, 2025 in Flint, Michigan surrounded by friends and family. He was born to Richard and Josephine Unrath on July 28th, 1955 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Also known as "Bozo," by his family in his younger days, Theron would turn his childhood nickname into a professional clowning career. For 5 years, Theron would entertain children and adults alike under the name "Thumper," performing at parades and circuses at MSU and Breslin.

Theron loved to help and entertain children through his time at the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant, whether it was delivering dictionaries to elementary schools in Isabella County, or putting on a carnival for the children participating in the Special Olympics.

Theron is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Unrath; daughters Cheri (Jeff) Smith, and Nikki (Jeff) Johnson; grandchildren Sami, Jesi, Dani, Mika, Andrea, Carolyn; great-grandchildren Jaimason, Isabella, Olyvia, Brooklyn, Hannah; his soon-to-be great-grandson Ezra; his siblings Brenda Wilson, Esther Chellberg, Richard (Diana) Unrath, Josette Flannery, Stacia (Chuck) Flinton, Yolanda (Charles) Calise, David Unrath, Anna, and Fred Unrath; and his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Josephine; his sister Adele Lybolt; and step-mother Sue Unrath.

As his family described him, Theron was a "heck of a guy, and funny as hell." His love, sense of humor, and easy-going nature will be missed deeply by those who knew him.

A service for Theron will be held on Monday April 21st, at 10:30am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes located on 900 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI. The family will begin receiving guests one hour prior. Theron will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant - P.O 156 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858