Robert Joseph Thornton

Robert Joseph Thornton, 86, Ft. Myers, FL, formerly of Stevensville, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2005 in Florida. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 A.M. at the Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI with Pastor Mark Thompson officiating. Friends may call between 5 and 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 9, and Friday beginning at 10:30 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care (Florida). Those wishing to sign the guest book or send the family a condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Robert was born on June 16, 1918 in Elkhart, IN. He was one of six children born to Charles and Julia (Wegnekokski) Thornton. On February 10, 1962, he married Margaret Wickler in Niles, MI. To this union was born one son, Mark. Robert worked for many years as a truck driver for Lakeshore Motor Freight and retired from Hover Trucking. After retirement he worked for Sea Brex Marine in various capacities. Later he loved his retirement with his friends in Florida. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching his grandchildren?s sporting events. Robert was also a long-time member of Teamsters Local 7 & 364 and the Moose Lodge. Robert is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son, Mark (Stacy) Thornton of St. Joseph; two grandchildren, and Ashley Zielke and Jacob Thornton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Alfred, Albert, Richard, and Tom Thornton; and his sister, Virginia Stebbins.