Robert (Bob) Wayne Thornton

Peacefully at home with his family, Robert (Bob) Wayne Thornton of Walsingham (formerly of Avon, Ontario) passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Born in Nilestown, Ontario, as a pre-Christmas gift on December 24, 1936. Survived by his wife of 53 years Mary (Manning) Thornton and their children: Rob (Karen Totten) RR6 Tillsonburg, Roxane (Bill Sanders) Langton, and Coralee (Sean Conklin) Walsingham.  Proud grandpa to Jared, Trent, Eric, and Alex. Predeceased by son Wayne Wallace Thornton (1990) and parents George and Belva (Brooks) DeGroate. Much loved brother of Betty (the late Roy) Knapton of Fergus, Maxine (the late George) Johnson of London, and Dianne and Jim Ashford of Avon.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bob was a mobile crane and dragline operator during his working years and has left his mark on many building projects around Ontario. He loved tinkering in his garage, building bird houses, and fixing and repairing interesting projects. He will be missed dearly by feline friend Ella Mae. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the South Dorchester Community Hall, Lyons, Ontario. Memorial donations to the Simcoe Humane Society, Ed DeSutter Dialysis Clinic at TDMH, Tillsonburg, or to the society of your choice are appreciated and may be made directly or through Wareing Cremation Services, 346 Simcoe St., Tillsonburg (519-409-5575).