John W. Thornton Sr.

John W. Thornton Sr. age 86, of Upper Sandusky, passed away at 6:05 AM on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Wyandot County Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center.

John was born in Carey, Ohio, on February 7, 1937, to Clarence “Doc” and Marguerite (Phillipi) Thornton. John was married to Neva Jean Larick at the Methodist Church in Carey, on January 17, 1956, and she survives in Upper Sandusky. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

John is also survived by his children: John W. (Karla) Thornton Jr. of Foley, Alabama, James A. (Debra) Thornton of Upper Sandusky, Judinna M. (Donald) Rall of Upper Sandusky, and Jaleen S. (Fred) Geiser of Carey, 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. John is also survived by his siblings: Mickey, Paul, Lucy, and Larry.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 brothers: Donald and Bill, and his best friend of 18 years, his Persian cat Big John’s Booker T.

John graduated from Cary High School in 1955 where he had a perfect attendance record, and he was a shop assistant. After high school, John worked at Mossbruger Roofing for 15 years, and finished his working career at Dayco.

John enjoyed woodworking, spending time outside doing yard work, and watching the Jacksonville Jaguars. John was an animal lover and was known as “Squirrel Man” he loved watching the squirrels and birds in his back yard, and he even had a pet squirrel named Brutus that would visit John daily.

A visitation for John Thornton will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky

The funeral service will be private and will be officiated by Pastor Barry Halter Jr. burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Wyandot Memorial or the Wyandot County Humane Society and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

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