H. David Thornton

Hiram David Thornton, age 85 of Sanford died Wednesday morning, July 25, 2012 at his home.

The son of the late Charles D. and Cora (Tigner) Thornton was born December 21, 1926 in Sanford where he was raised and attended Coleman Schools.
Dave served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Pensacola during WWII. On September 14, 1946 he married the former Dorothy Drew in Mt. Morris. Dave had worked as a Tin Smith for the Dow Chemical for 32 years, retiring in 1985. He loved to fish, hunt, garden, and make maple syrup, becoming known for Uncle Hiram's syrup shack.
For many years he served as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Explorers leader. Dave was very civic minded and was involved in several community activities, including the Sanford Museum, the Township Board of Review and area Fishing Tournaments.
He was a life member of the Warren Lodge #427 Free & Accepted Masons in Coleman, serving as Worshipful Master in 1984 and 1985, and had received his 50 year membership award. Dave was also active with the Gladwin Lodge #0397 F. & A.M. and the Midland Centre Lodge #273 F. & A. M. Dave enjoyed his work with the Masons and was involved in many of their community events. He was a member of the Valley of Bay City Scottish Rite Bodies and the Elf Khurafeh Shrine where he had been actively involved with the Shrine Circus for many years.

Dave is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Dorothy; daughters, Jean Harris (friend Dale Fath) of Rhodes, Patricia (Mark) Baringer of Sanford, Barbara Boman of New Jersey, Ellen (Dan) Bisel of Beaverton, daughter in law, Christine Thornton of Sanford; 12 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Dale; 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 28, 2012 from Faith United Methodist Church, 310 Fifth St., Coleman with Reverend Caroline Hart officiating. Interment will be in the Sanford Cemetery. Military rites will be under the auspices of the Midland Area Veterans and the US Navy Funeral Honors Guard.
Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd, Midland on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm with a Masonic Memorial Service conducted at 7:00 pm.
Donations in Dave's memory may be offered to the Sanford Senior Center or the Shriner's Hospitals for Crippled Children.
Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com