Dexter Earl Thornton

Dexter Earl Thornton was welcomed home August 9th, 2021. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, at home in a room that he built. Dexter was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on March 28th, 1936 to Cecil Thornton and Emma Louise Wilkerson. Dexter fell in love with Carol Elliott when he was in 8th grade (she was in 6th) and they married as soon as she turned 18. Together they had six children. Cancer took Carol in 1979 leaving him a single father. In 1981, Dexter married the next great love of his life, Margaret Donnelly. Margaret was a widow with five children. They blended their families, creating the giant Thornton-Donnelly clan.

Dexter’s unpretentious attitude and simple, straightforward character was loved by many. He was known for his quirky sense of humor, regularly teasing those he loved with snappy comments, silly faces, and an occasional ice cube down the back. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife and children beyond words. Dexter loved to spend time at the cabin he built in Pentwater, MI, creating wonderful memories for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, playing euchre, camping, and spending time with family.

Dexter’s steadfast love of the Lord and stubborn character served him well. He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary’s Church in Williamston, MI. He followed the Lord’s direction with steadfast faith. Dexter proudly served his country in the Indiana and Michigan National Guards. He overcame dyslexia to become a journeyman carpenter. He was a masterful tradesman and could build anything, including his house on Holt Road and his cabin. When the families blended he built an addition to house everyone and create a huge dining room so that everyone always had a seat at the table. He used his skills to support his large family, eventually starting a construction company of his own with his wife Margaret and son, Steve. He retired in 1998 from his company, Thatcher Construction and enjoyed creative pastimes including woodworking and creating stain glass.

Dexter was greeted in the Kingdom by those that went before him, including his first wife Carol Thornton; infant sons: Ronald and Randall Thornton; Parents: Cecil (Lillie Mae) Thornton and Emma Lousie (Joe) Miezjewski; Brother: Lyle Thornton; Special Aunt: Betty Barhydt; Special Friends: Bob and Marlene McKinney.

He will rest with the eternal gratitude of his wife and children for the unending service, devotion and love he provided to his family. Left to continue this legacy are his wife Margaret Donnelly Thornton, children: Timothy (Sue) Thornton, Steven (Laurie) Thornton, Lynda (Jack) Manack, Kimberly Norton, Mac Donnelly III, Joseph Donnelly, Lisa (Dave) Vering, Ann Donnelly, Ruth (Dave) Wiles, Kristina (Paul) Latunski, Mary (Paul) Trufant; grandchildren: Katherine Thornton, Geoffery (Lyndsi) Thornton, Christopher Thornton, Camille (Gabriel) Heikes, Rebecca Manack, Victoria Manack, Eric Vering, Danielle Vering, Alex Latunski, Andrew Latunski, Zena Latunski, Emily Wiles, and Joshua Wiles; great-grandchildren: Lily, Charlotte, Finnley, and Brighton Thornton; sisters: Faye Brumleve, Joyce Gnau, brothers: Walter (Sue) Thornton, Stanley Thornton, Sister-in-law: Susan Thornton. He will be missed by many extended family members, including special nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

The family is forever grateful to Heartland Hospice and caregivers Caroline and Patti for helping the family fulfill Dexter’s wish to remain home. Finally, don’t expect dad to rest in peace – he gets fidgety when he’s bored, so everyone watch out for the back shivers; he has much better access to the ice cubes now.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, August 13 at St. Mary Church, Williamston. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6:00-8:00pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel with the rosary prayed at 7:30pm and Friday from 10:00-11:00am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church: 157 High Street, Williamston, MI 48895 or Heartland Hospice: 865 South Cedar Street, Mason, MI 48854

https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/58512