Eugene L. Thornton

Capt. Eugene L. “Gene” Thornton, USAF, 88 of Lewiston, Michigan peacefully took his final flight into the wild blue yonder on October 19, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Gene was born May 9, 1937, in Houston, Texas to Winfred R. Thornton and Edna Marie (Christensen) Thornton. He grew up in LaPorte, Texas and attended LaPorte High School. Upon graduation he enrolled in Lee College where he played basketball – one of his lifelong passions.

Gene joined the United States Air Force in 1958 where he served for over 10 years piloting many of the era’s main-line fighter jets and achieving the rank of Captain. During an assignment at Wurthsmith AFB with the 445th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Oscoda, Michigan, he met Patricia May of Lewiston, to whom he was wed in 1963.

He spent his Air Force career defending the skies of North America from the seat of his F-101 Voodoo and F-102 Delta Dagger, the jet in which he routinely intercepted and turned away Soviet reconnaissance and bomber aircraft over the North Atlantic while serving as B-Flight Commander with the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Keflavic, Iceland.

Soon following the departure from his Air Force adventures, Pat and Gene moved back to Michigan, where they would raise their two children. Gene quickly became involved in local government. His elected positions landed him an opportunity to help shape the way small governments were represented throughout the State of Michigan via a position with the Michigan Townships Association, where he stayed until retirement in 1997.

Gene soon dove neck deep into his other life passion of more than 60 years – golf. He loved the game, the culture, and the friends he developed through the sport. Retirement didn’t last long though, as Gene was again compelled to serve the community as Albert Township Supervisor and later Montmorency County Commissioner, both roles to which he gave tirelessly.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Winfred R. and Edna Marie (Christensen) Thornton; brother Jimmie Rae Thornton; father-in-law Charles May; mother-in-law Cecilia May; brother-in-law Thomas May; brother-in-law Wayne Wright, and nephew Tommy May. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Patricia (May); daughter Susan Mikesell; son Patrick; granddaughter Samatha Mikesell; grandson Christopher Mikesell; sister Betty Ann Wright, and more nieces and nephews than he could ever keep track of.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Events at Six One Two, 5195 County Road 612, Lewiston Michigan. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to LaPorte Community Church: https://www.lpcomch.com/giving.html; Lewiston Cares: P.O. Box 372, Lewiston, MI 49756; or Hospice of Michigan: https://www.hom.org/donate/; or simply buy your friend a beer and tell some Gene stories.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.