June 13, 1952 – March 5, 2023
Lincoln – Michael S. Thornton, 70, of Lincoln, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Atlanta. Rev. Joseph Dondanville will officiate.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peasley Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Michael Stephen Thornton was born on June 13, 1952, in Lincoln, the son of Robert L. and Mary Ellen Hickey Thornton. He was united in marriage to Rebecca “Becky” Jean Masterson on June 1, 1974. She preceded him in death on July 22, 2018.
Surviving Mike are his children: Stephen Robert Thornton and Mary Katherine Thornton; one brother: Ted Thornton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Timothy and Kevin.
Mike graduated from the Lincoln Community High School in 1970, followed by Lincoln College and Sangamon State University. He retired from the State of Illinois Department of Human Services after 30 years of service.
Mike was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Sons of American Legion. He served as coach and manager for American Legion baseball for many years and was an avid Cardinals fan.
Memorials may be made to American Legion Baseball #263 or the Sons of American Legion.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln.
