CRAWFORD – Luther Francis Thornton, 76, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2010, at a Bangor hospital. Luther was born July 9, 1933, in South Princeton, son of the late Clinton and Gladys (Grover) Thornton. He graduated from Calais High School, Class of 1952. After serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Luther returned home and worked in the woods and blueberry fields. On March 17, 1963, he married Joline Leclair in Milltown. In 1969, Luther began driving a school bus for the Crawford area, retiring in 2009. He served as a selectman for Crawford for 30 years. Luther enjoyed the outdoors and taking care of his blueberry fields. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Beatrice Ring; and his brother, Clinton Thornton. Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Joline Thornton; three children, Michael McKeown and his wife, Diana, of Phoenix, Luther Thornton Jr. and his wife, Carlene, of Liberty, and Susan Wallace and her husband, Randy, of Crawford; six grandchildren, Doug McKeown of Germany, Mike Moody and his fiancee, Amanda Bowdoin, of Searsmont, Shanna Ashby and her husband, Abe, of Windsor, and Amanda Mitchell and her husband, Shane, of Belmont; his two special “buddies” who were by his side, Travis and Chris Wallace, both of Crawford; many great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Abigail Lange and her husband, Dennis, of Minnesota, and Jennifer Ring of Wisconsin. A graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, at Crawford Cemetery, Route 9, Crawford. Donations in Luther’s memory may be made to Alexander-Crawford Scholarship Fund, care of Down East Credit Union, P.O. Box 130, Baileyville, ME 04694. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
LUTHER F. THORNTON
