Vernon E. Thorne

Vernon E. Thorne, 82, of Hanover, formerly of Chincoteague, Va., and Baltimore, entered into God's eternal care 6:45 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2004, at his home. He was the husband of Elizabeth Meyer Thorne for more than 59 years. Born in Reedville, Va., on May 31, 1922, he was the son of the late Arthur and Mattie Lampkin Thorne. Mr. Thorne retired in 1982 as a sheet metal model maker at the Westinghouse plant in Baltimore where he was employed 29 years. Following retirement the Thornes moved to Chincoteague, Va., where they resided for 22 years before moving to Hanover. He was a member of the Union Baptist Church in Chincoteague, Va., and attended Calvary Bible Church in Hanover. Other memberships include Accomack Lodge 243 Free and Accepted Masons and Order of the Eastern Star Accomack Chapter 62, both of Chincoteague, Va. During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the Navy as a Carpenter's Mate Third Class attached to Fleet Air Photographic Squadron Four. For his service from May 7 to Nov. 19, 1944, he was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces. In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Linda Watts of Hanover and Sharon McCloud of Smithfield, Va.; a son, Rick Thorne of Manchester, Md.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Edwin Thorne of Abington, Md.; and a sister, Mildred Davenport of Baltimore. The Patmos Lodge 348 Free and Accepted Masons will hold a special service 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, followed by a memorial service at Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Ave., Hanover. The Allied Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. There will be no viewing. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Pastor Richard Quinnett will officiate. Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway, Hanover, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice c/o Hanover Visiting Nurse Association, 440 N. Madison St., Hanover, Pa. 17331, or to the American Cancer Society, One Center Square, Suite 4, Square Commercial Building, Hanover, Pa. 17331.