John Emory Thorne

John Emory Thorne was born January 11, 1934 to Francis J (Dutch) and Blanche Alverda (Emory) Thorne at his parent's home on SW 20th St, Pendleton, OR. His Grandmother Lulu
Maude Thorne and midwife Mrs. Lecklighter delivered him. He went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 25, 2025 at his home.

John spent his life being busy. As a young boy he delivered the East Oregonian newspaper on Main Street in Pendleton. At age 13 he went to work for the Joe and Frank
Pedro Ranch on Paddy Creek.

John graduated from Pendleton High School in 1952, excelling in sports. An outstanding athlete, he lettered in Football, Basketball and Track & Field, receiving his first varsity letter for
Track & Field while in Junior High. His name is still on the wall at PHS for the record in pole vault using a bamboo pole. In 1964-1966 the Thorne family athletes had their own city league basketball team, the Thorne Family Team. In 2013 John and his Thorne family athletes were inducted into the Pendleton High School Football Hall of Fame.

In 1953, he married LaVonne Lois Barnes, and they had four children: Cynthia Anne (Sis), Linda LaVonne (Nee Nee), Sandra Marie (Sam) and Jonathan Thomas. In October 1963,
LaVonne passed away.

On April 9, 1965 he married Quenden Kay Wright, who became mother to his four children. Later, John and Kay welcomed their youngest daughter Laure Kay (KK).

John became and electrical journeyman in the late 1950s, working for a number of electrical contractors in Pendleton. In the mid-1970s he worked as an electrical inspector for
the State of Oregon. In the late-1970s he started his own electrical contracting business, Thorne's Electric

.
John was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt and fish. He especially loved spending time outdoors and at the Thorne cabin. He and his brothers purchased property and a small
cabin in 1959. With a lot of hard work, they built a large, amazing Tamarack cabin where many precious memories were made.

John, family and many friends could be found enjoying water skiing at McKay Reservoir and the Columbia River. John taught well over 200 people to water ski. He also formed Blue Mt. Ski Club. Time and funds from the club were used to clean up around the reservoir and pour a concrete ramp.

John loved the Lord and his family, putting them first in his life. He was a man of integrity.

He attended Life Church in Pilot Rock and afternoon services at Pendleton Baptist.

John was proceeded in death by his first wife LaVonne, daughter Cynthia (Sis) Harrison, son Jonathan, parents F.J. (Dutch) and Blanche, brothers Richard (Bud) and James (Jim) and
sister Alverda White.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Quenden Kay, daughters Linda (Nee Nee) Haynie (Doug), Sandra (Sam) Thorne and Laure (KK) Thorne. His grandchildren Angela Haynie, Jessica
(Jason) Thomas, Jake (Mystie) Haynie, Christina (Nathan) Oliver, Amy (Anthony) Munoz, David (Alex) Harrison. His Great grandchildren Karly & Connor Thomas, Gaige & Ezra Spencer, Elle Haynie, Jackson, Jace & Jessa Oliver, Pennelope & Anthony E. Munoz, Logan & Lily Harrison. Five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Vange John Memorial Hospice for their professional care, kindness and generosity shown to John and the family.

Celebration of life will be held January 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Life Church, 222 S.W. Third St. Pilot Rock, Oregon with a luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Orchard Ave, Ste 500, Hermiston, OR 97838, or the charity of your choice.