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Robert Clarke Thornton, 66, of Manchester, MD, passed away suddenly at his home on December 15, 2017. Born on September 10, 1951, in Baltimore County, MD, he was the son of the late Charles Herman and Ruth (Carper) Thornton. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carol Ann (Hall) Thornton. Robert worked as a claims adjuster for many years at State Auto Insurance. He was a beloved member of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Alumni. He had multiple nicknames -- Pops, Crunch, Thunder, even Swine to the person he called Scum -- but what Robert "Bob/Bobby" Clarke Thornton cherished most was being called a husband, a dad, a grandfather, a brother and a friend, and bringing joy to all the lives he touched. Bob had many interests and gifts. He was an artist, a photographer, a musician, a gardener, and a teacher. Bob's playfulness helped us never lose sight of our inner child. He also helped us never lose sight of our childhood friends. He was Facebook before it existed, and he did it by actually talking with people while making each one feel special. He was the one who kept us connected. He was the one whose light always seemed to shine brightest. Suddenly, that light is gone, the darkness reminding us how precious life is. Surviving him in addition to his wife are children: Laura Elizabeth Hughes and husband Alan of Hampstead, MD, and Charles Ryan Thornton of Greencastle, PA, grandchildren: Ethan and Austin Hughes, and sisters: Diane Gelrud of Hanover, PA and Leta Derasse of Westminster, MD, and many nieces, nephews and devoted family and friends. A memorial service will be held at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, 2930 Hanover Pike, Manchester, MD 21102, on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to SMCM Foundation, 47645 College Drive, St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686. Arrangements are by ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL P.A., Manchester, MD. Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com
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5 Entries
You left us way too soon, Bob. You were a special friend and you've left a big empty spot in the hearts of so many people who knew you.
Al Cunniff
Friend
April 10, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
charles Bertolini
January 6, 2018
To the Thornton Family,
With sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May you take comfort from the scripture at Jeremiah 29:11
E
December 20, 2017
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Charles Gilbert
December 20, 2017
With my deepest sympathy!
Praying for you and your family!
Sandy
Sandra Silverman
December 20, 2017
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Funeral services provided by:
Eckhardt Funeral Chapel, P.A. of Manchester3296 Charmil Drive P.O. Box 389, Manchester, MD 21102
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