Michael L. "Mike" Thornton Obituary (1946 - 2016)

Michael L. "Mike" Thornton, 69, of Newberry, FL passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Mike was born on September 7, 1946 in Decatur, IL the son of Clarence and Peggy (Johnson) Milo. Mike married Pamela A. Price on February, 19, 2000 in Davenport, IA. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in the U.S. Army Security Agency during the Vietnam War. He was a proud alumnus of Eastern Illinois University with an Education Degree. Mike lived and taught all over and was very happy assisting troubled youth and directing them on the right path. He coached Football, Basketball and Baseball as well as many other sports in his career. In his younger years he was a professional baseball player in both farm systems of the Oakland A's as well as the Boston Red Sox. He was an avid fan of the Illini, Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals. Surviving is his wife Pamela, of Newberry, FL; four children: Michele White of Forsyth, IL; Mark Thornton of Mattoon, IL; Jamie Floyd and significant other Rob of Flowery Branch, GA; Sherry Parnell and her husband William of South Carolina; two step-sons: Frank Fincel and his wife Sarah; Craig Fincel and his wife Kayleigh all of East Dubuque, IL; brother: Steven L. Milo and his wife Michele of The Villages, FL; sister: Stacy Lucas and her husband Jim of Decatur, IL; 10 grandchildren: Tanner White, Reann Thornton, Kalee Floyd, Reagan Floyd, Jacque (Travis) Wilburn, Frank Fincel, Colden Fincel, Emerson Fincel, Easton Fincel and Tony Sowell. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mike's wishes for cremation will be arranged by Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.