GREENVILLE – Vaughn Cecil Thornton, 92, died July 26, 2013, at a Bangor hospital. He was born May 19, 1921, in Topsfield, the fifth child of Irving and Beryl (Lyon) Thornton.
Vaughn was educated in the local school through the eighth grade, when he had to leave due to his father and grandfather leaving home and working in the woods from fall to late spring. He became responsible for the operation of the family farm during this time period. As a young man he did farm work, worked on state road jobs, in the woods and at a variety of different jobs. For a brief period during World War II, he and his wife worked at the state hospital in Bangor. After that, they returned to Topsfield where he went to work for his father-in-law on the dairy farm. In 1950, he joined Maine State Forestry Service and was assigned to Russell Mountain in the Seboomook district as a tower watchman. He soon became a patrolman, and shortly after was promoted to chief warden of the Seboomook district. His fondest memories of a very successful and enjoyable forest service career, were the 20-plus years as chief warden headquartered at Pittston Farm. He then was promoted to district supervisor for several years, completing his career after another several years as the western and southern divisions supervisor. In 1983, he retired from the state with 38 years of devoted service. After his retirement he worked for several years as a carpenter building Father Rotuno’s retirement home, Ledge House, in Rockwood. Vaughn was a member of Lewy’s Island Lodge of the Masonic Order for 66 years. He also was an active member of Union Evangelical Church, having served on various church committees and many years as a deacon. He was a devoted family man, guiding them, and delighting in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vaughn and Audrey had four sons and a daughter. Surviving children are Michael and wife, Judith, of Greenville Junction, Gregory and wife, Jayne, of Falmouth, and Robin of Greenville. They have five grandchildren, Michael II and wife, Jackie, of North Waterboro, Mitchell and wife, Vanessa, of Georgia, Nicholas of Washington, D.C., Elizabeth of Portland, and Stefanie of Greenville; and two great-granddaughters, Kristin and Casey of North Waterboro. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Vaughn was predeceased by his wife, Audrey; an infant son; and son, Jeffrey of Pownal. He was also predeceased by sisters, Hazel Noyes, Grace Thornton, Marjorie McNeil and Bertha Carey; and brother, Wayne Thornton.
A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Union Evangelical Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Dr. Robert Veon officiating. An informal gathering will be after at the Masonic temple in Greenville. Those who wish to remember Vaughn with a contribution, may donate to Jeffrey B. and Audrey M. Thornton Scholarship Fund, Greenville High School, P.O. Box 100, Greenville, ME 04441. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Greenville. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.
Vaughn Cecil Thornton
