Hugh Frederick Thorne

Hugh Frederick Thorne of Jackson, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord on June 13, 2020, at 89 years of age. He was born on July 22, 1930, in Pulaski Township, Michigan, to parents Leonard and Ida (Weeks) Thorne. Hugh is survived by loving wife Dorothy (Stiles), children:  Dean (Kathy), Nancy (Bill) Hyndman, Debra (Tom) Harmon, and Lisa Adkins; Grandchildren:  William (Renee), Joe (Ashley), Kary (Clayton), Dan (Sydney), Jen (Joe), Jeff, Robert (Rianna), Betsy, Stacy (Cory), Barry (Sara), Gayle (Andy), Matt (Kendra), Christine, Tommi, Pauline, Paul, James, and Brian; 25 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren; sisters Lucille (Edward) Knauss, Mary Lou Clairday; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by both parents, brothers C. Wayne, R. Warren, Walter, Norman, Lawrence, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.

Hugh resided most of his life in Hanover, Michigan, with his 60-year career of sheep shearing and farming. He began shearing sheep at age 15 and won five state championships over the years. In 2006, Hugh received the Distinguished Service to the Michigan Sheep Industry Award from the Michigan Sheep Breeder’s Association. Along with his wife, they owned and operated The Quilt Shoppe at their residence for over 25 years.  Hugh and Dorothy celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on June 2 while quarantined at their residence. The staff at the Countryside Grand made it a such precious memory for them.  They also enjoyed a window visit by their children that day.  Hugh loved life, people, and most of all, his precious Dorothy. He was a loving husband and amazing role model for all his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; leaving a legacy so dynamic, it could never be measured. His patience was most likely his greatest character strength atop a list of so many other countless qualities. He also had such love and reverence for his Lord and Savior, which was evident by how he lived his life of always putting others first.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Thome PACE for their love and care for Hugh over the past several years, especially over the past week. Also, a heart-felt
thank you to the staff at the Countryside Grand for their love and care for Hugh over the last several months, and especially through his last days.  Per his request, cremation has taken place. Due to current restrictions on gatherings, a private family service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with a celebration of Hugh’s life to follow at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Thome PACE, 2282 Springport Road, Jackson, MI 49201, or to The Salvation Army, 806 E. Pearl Street, Jackson, MI 49201.

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