Howard J. Thornton

          Howard J. Thornton, 92, of Gnadenhutten, died late Thursday, January 25^th 2018 at Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation in Newcomerstown, under the care of Interim HealthCare Hospice of Coshocton County.

          Howard was a lifelong resident of the area. He was born in Tuscarawas on December 21, 1925 to the late Hiram W. and Anna Mae (Rhoads) Thornton. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served during the World War II era in the Pacific Theater.

          Howard was employed by Alsco for nine years, worked at Larson Clay Pipe for twenty seven years in the kiln center, and also worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation for ten years, where he took part in maintenance crews for whatever job needed done. He retired from ODOT in 1989.

          Howard was a music lover. He enjoyed playing his guitar and listening to his grandchildren play music. Howard was also very active well into his eighties. He enjoyed riding his bike around Gnaden, and on the Conotton Creek Trail. Tending to the garden was another task that he kept busy doing.

          Howard is survived by his wife of sixty eight years, Norma J. (Neuhart) Thornton. They were married on November 26, 1949. Also surviving are two children Roger (Debbie) Thornton of Dennison, and Lori (Mike) Sweitzer of Gnadenhutten, three grandchildren Justin (KaLee) Sweitzer, Kati Sweitzer, and Darcy (Dale) Gribble, and two great-grandchildren Maddee Gribble and Xander Sweitzer.

          Proceeding in death are two sisters Florence Laughlin and Beulah Paige, and brother Frank Haga.

          Graveside services will be held for Howard on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery. Bob Main will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, Howard’s family requested that memorial contributions be sent to Interim HealthCare Hospice of Coshocton County, 232 Chestnut St., Coshocton, Ohio 43812.  The family wishes to send a thank you to the staff at both Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Interim HealthCare Hospice of Coshocton County for the care that was given to Howard.

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