Norman L Thornton

PEKIN ~ Norman Loyd Thornton, 76, of 101 Plymouth Ct., passed away at 2:45 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.Born April 6, 1935 in Coulterville to Alfred and Emily (Mason) Thornton, he married Susan Krause on February 14, 1986 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife; 1 son, David (Janeen) Thornton of San Diego, California; 4 daughters, Jean (Fred) Cowling of Delavan, Joyce (Kevin) Robinson of East Peoria,  and Jill (Todd) Highfill of Morton, and Kelly (Elshawn) Jackson of Peoria Heights; 19 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, William (Delores) Thornton of Coulterville, Robert (Yvonne) Thornton of Sparta, and Gary (Wanda) Thornton of Marissa; and 3 sisters, Jan (Michael) Harris of North Carolina, June Thornton of Sparta, and Leta (Michael) Asher of Sparta.

Also surviving is his best friend, Ebbie, a black Cocker Spaniel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 1 sister.

Norman was a co-owner of Riggers and Erectors in Pekin for 35 years, retiring in 1997.

He was a member of Iron Workers Union Local 112 in East Peoria.

A member of the National Rifle Association, he enjoyed hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Norman was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball.

The family greatly appreciates the wonderful care that Norm received from the doctors and nurses on the oncology floor at Methodist Medical Center.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com