Robert L. Thorne

Robert Lyle Thorne (November 7, 1927-February 17, 2011) After a long and courageous battle with a number of health issues, Mr. Thorne passed away on February, 17, 2011 at Triumph Hospital in Detroit. The son of the late William Earl and Myrtle (Hill), Robert, or "Bob" as he was known to his friends and family, was born on November 7, 1927 in Genesee County. Robert, a master of all building trades, was self employed contractor for many years, and taught others who had the privilege to work with him. His skilled hands built and improved many homes, business and churches in the area. Robert was decorated veteran, earning a WWII Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal, Japan. During his service in the United States Army, Robert achieved Rank of Master Sergeant working as a Pilot and Paratrooper in the 11th Airborne, and was responsible for disarming and detonating heavy explosives. Robert will be remembered as a "man's man", with a wealth of knowledge on many subjects, a great sense of humor and tremendous dedications to his family and friends. His hobbies included aviation, scuba diving and hunting. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Christina Marie (Young) Thorne. Also surviving are eight children; Terry Lee (Patti), Linda Karen, and Mark XXXX Thorne, Patricia Ann (Ken) Biskner, Mark James (Heather) Humphrey, and Tiffany Marie, Alexander Lyle and Crystal Lynn Thorne. His twelve grandchildren include; Matthew, Mark, Justin, Bryan and Tracey Thorne, Lathesia Giliard, Lauren, Lazarus, and Leigha Biskner, Dylan Humphrey, Landon Thorne, and Matthew Sian. Surviving Robert are also two sisters, Shirley (Thorne) Sicherd and Joyce (Bill) LeFevere as well as many nieces and nephews, including Phyllis Champine and JoAnne (Terr) Elvers, who he was very close with. Among his many friends, John Lamblin, Don Fournier, Tim Banaszak, Jim (Vicki) Barcia were close to Robert for many years. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his infant son, Robert Lyle Thorne II. Siblings preceding him in death include two sisters, Phyllis Elaine, and Margaret Elizabeth (Thorne) Wegener, as well as five brother; Clark Hill, Bruce Earl, Kenneth Eric, Richard Lee and Paul Raymond Thorne. Funeral and Committal Services will take place Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. Officiating will be Rev. Lee Austin with cremation following. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Wednesday from 12:00 O'clock Noon until 9:00 p.m. Mr. Thorne will be taken to the church on Thursday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorial Cards for Wishes of the Family will be available at the funeral home.