Jerry Thorne

1943 - 2021

Jerry Delton Thorne
1943-2021
Jerry Delton "Papa" Thorne, 78, of Houston, Texas passed away on December 23, 2021 after a four-month battle with cancer. He was born on January 9, 1943 in Houston, Texas to the late Delbert and Pauline Thorne. Jerry attended Milby High School, graduating in December of 1960 and marrying Hilda Jane Terry in April of 1961. He graduated electrical trade school and was a lifelong member of I.B.E.W 716, attaining Master Electrician status. His career spanned over 4 decades, including employment at Elliott Electric Co., Britain Electric Co., MacDonald Electric Co., America Mechanical Co., and finally to his retirement from San Jacinto College Central Campus.
Jerry was a man of few words…but his life of service to his family spoke volumes. It was never about him; it was always about someone he loved: his wife, his children, or his grandchildren. He was a very generous person, especially with his children. They were never left wanting or needing anything, from Christmas mornings so full of gifts it was almost overwhelming, to new cars for their senior year at high school. His patience was infinite whether it was dealing with a real problem, or a lost "lovey" of a grandchild. He could fix anything from all things mechanical like cars and a/c units to precious things like a child's favorite toy. He was steadfast in his insistence on "shirts with pockets" and despite several years of receiving soap-on-a-rope gifts, loved getting them anyway just because they were from his kids. He enjoyed golf until his balance hindered him, and fished for many years on Lake Livingston. When his son Mike and daughter-in-law Judy moved to Arkansas, Jerry made it a priority to head up there every few months, even buying a small property up there so that he and Hilda could visit without "disturbing anybody." If he was in town, he did not miss a grandchild's event, whether it was a birthday, a play, or a game. He was "all-in" regarding his life as a parent and grandfather; he was reliable, steady, and always present. Jerry's legacy will be the greatest gift a father could give his family – his unconditional love, never in question.
The Houston Astros have lost a diehard fan; Jerry's devotion goes back to 1960 and the Colt 45s. From his family's earliest memories, he could be found April to October either listening to the 'Stros on a transistor radio with an earplug or watching them on TV. In later years this was supplanted with going to his grandson Sam's baseball games from which he drew immense joy while trying to avoid hearing the Astros' score, so he could watch them later that night after recording the game. The family would like to thank the 2021 Astros for making it to the World Series; it was one of the few things that gave him enjoyment during his arduous fight with cancer. The family would also like to thank Chris Botto for the excellent care he gave Jerry in his final days; they will never forget it.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years Hilda Thorne, his daughter Suzy Thorne Mahoney and husband Stephen Mahoney, M.D. of Houston, Texas, his son Michael Thorne and wife Judy Ferguson Thorne of Springdale, Arkansas, his sisters Jean Kirk, Naomi Daniels, Caroline Roach, and Pam Ingram, and his precious grandchildren Jenna Mahoney, Sam Mahoney, Lauren Thorne, and Cooper Thorne. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Shirrell Thorne, and sister Cecelia Thorne. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.