Keith Thornton

Keith Alexander Thornton Jr., 68, of Kimball Township, died Sunday, June 20, 2021.

He was born August 12, 1952 in Port Huron to the late Lillian and Keith Thornton Sr.

Keith was very talented and could fix anything. He was employed as a carpenter, and after retirement, Keith spent many years working as a landlord. He was a long-time member of Hillside Wesleyan Church. He was involved with AA and was sober for 30 years. Keith enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, collecting and polishing Petoskey stones; and spending time with his grandchildren, who called him “Papa.” Keith took pride in maintaining a great lawn and beautiful gardens. He was so obsessed with yards being weed-free that he was often seen pulling weeds or crabgrass out of other people's lawns when we met for outdoor gatherings.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; three children, Erika (Dante) Ciavattone, Aaron Thornton and Cole (Anne) Thornton; five grandchildren, Kylie Ciavattone and Lauryn, Alice, James and Lillian Thornton; three siblings, Alexis Linder, Tom (Nancy) Thornton and Tina (Dennis) Smith; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial gathering will be held later this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Blue Water Area Humane Society.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com