Franklin C. Thornton, age 93, of Adrian, MI, passed away, January 28, 2026, at Regency Hospital in Sylvania, OH with son Michael by his side. He was born April 2, 1932, in Oakwood, OH, the son of Orville & Venus (Lighthill) Thornton. Franklin served his county in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant 1st Class and was proud to have received his combat infantry badge (CIB). After returning from Korea, he became an Adrian Police Officer. Franklin then became an electrician and was promoted to the Assistant Superintendent of Electricians at the Tecumseh Products Company, where he eventually retired from. Franklin accepted Christ as a young man and was a member of Maple Avenue Bible Church. He was arguably Ohio State’s number one football fan. Franklin enjoyed fishing and shooting competitive pistol. He is survived by his wife, Karen Thornton; his son, Michael Thornton; six grandchildren, Michael Thornton, Robert Williams, Brent (Nancy) Williams, Danny (Bridget) Hamann, Crystal Pikula and Matthew Hamann; several great grandchildren; one sister, Lu Retcher of Napoleon, OH; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville & Venus Thornton, two daughters, Jackie Williams and Sherry Hamann; one brother, David Thornton; one sister, Ethel McCorkle; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Williams. At Franklin’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI. Military Honors will be performed at 4:00 PM. Those who are in attendance are encouraged to wear Ohio State Buckeye or Michigan Wolverine apparel in the spirit of the rivalry and his enjoyment of jousting with Michigan fans. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
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