Michael Ray Thornton

1949 - 2022

Michael Ray Thornton, 72, of Springfield, Mo., and formerly of Fort Madison, passed away on Jan. 27, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

He was born on Feb. 24, 1949 to William and Shirley Thornton.

He graduated from Fort Madison High School in 1967. On April 19, 1969, he married Trudy Johnson. They had one daughter, Christine Ann. They later divorced. He married Paula Burke in 1984 and they had one son, Jesse Ray.

Mike was a hard working man, starting out at age 11 mowing lawns. He detassled corn and baled hay many summers. He began working at Hy-Vee sorting bottles at 14.

He spent his career in the grocery business, retiring from Associated Wholesale Grocers. He didn't stay retired long. He then went to work for Save A Lot as a part-time store manager where he was still employed.

When he wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time at the lake boating. He was a Kansas City Chiefs fan. He also enjoyed working in his yard and doing home improvements.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, William and Shirley Thornton.

Michael is survived by his wife, Paula; his daughter, Christine of Littleton, CO; and son Jesse of Springfield. Also surviving are his stepchildren, Amy Burke, Angela Howell and William Burke; five step grandchildren; his brothers, Randall of Fort Madison and Patrick of Lakewood, CO; his sisters, Jill (Tim) Bruhl and Mel (Mike) Brixius, both of Fort Madison, and Lori Saluri of Des Moines; and many nieces, nephews and special cousins.