Harvey Thornton

Harvey L. Thornton Jr., age 96, of Portland, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Persimmon Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Portland. 

He was born on May 25, 1928, in Kentland, Indiana, to the late Harvey Sr. and Hattie (Isenhart) Thornton. 

Harvey is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Mary (Schoen) Thornton, whom he married on Feb. 27, 1960; his children, Roger (Virginia) Thornton of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Carol Ranly of Coldwater, Ohio, and Susan (Joseph) Reddoch of Fishers, Indiana; his grandchildren, Matthew (Tara) Thornton, Elizabeth (Josh) Byers, Erica (Eugene) Oh, Lydia (Quentin) Elsea, Hanna (Mitch) Bihn, Krista (Sam) Mulvihill, Alexandra Reddoch, Clarissa Reddoch and Gabriella Reddoch; his 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Barbara Thornton; and his in-laws, Eileen (Carl) Barhorst, Janice Hemmelgarn, Harold (Theresa) Schoen, Patricia (Neil) Diller, James (Mary Ann) Schoen, Doris (Doug) Runyon, Linda (Adrian) Noll, Richard (Doris) Schoen, Marilyn (Eric) Greenrose, Dan (Peg) Schoen and William (Jane) Boeckman.

In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dale Ranly; his grandson, Nathan Ranly; his sister and her husband, Alletta Marie (Robert) Wrightsman; and his in-laws, Virginia Boeckman, Harold Hemmelgarn and David (Patricia) Schoen.

As a proud graduate of Madison Township High School, Class of 1946, he dedicated many years to the agriculture industry, both as a farmer and skillfully managing the Salamonia Feed Mill and the Dunkirk Elevator for the Indiana Farm Bureau. Harvey's connection to the land was profound, as he passionately tended to his fields and spent countless hours outdoors, cherishing nature in all its forms.

On Nov. 2, 1950, Harvey enlisted in the United States Army. He served 11 months overseas during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 13, 1952. Upon returning home, Harvey joined the Portland American Legion. 

Harvey was a man of many interests and talents. He could often be found feeding the birds, casting a line for fish, bow hunting in the quiet woodlands or outsmarting the pesky groundhogs that dared to disturb his homestead. His inventive spirit thrived on the farm, where he loved to tinker and build, creating solutions for everyday challenges. 

Harvey also owned and operated the Fort Recovery Roller Palace for 16 years, where he shared his love for roller skating with the community and created lasting memories for many. His vibrant personality and zest for life will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A celebration of Harvey’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Christ Chapel, Fort Recovery, with Pastor Quentin Elsea officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Salamonia Cemetery. 

Guests may visit with his family on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. As well as on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Chapel. 

Harvey’s family would like to thank the Persimmon Ridge nurses and staff along with the Keystone Hospice nurses for their patience, compassion and skill in caring for Harvey. We also want to express our appreciation to Allison at Sprunger and Sprunger for her skillful handling of Harvey’s financial affairs.

Memorial contributions may be given to Christ Chapel or the Fort Recovery Community Foundation, in care of the Nathan Ranly Scholarship Fund.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting brockmanboeckmanfh.com.