THORNTON, Kenneth Russell, 83 of Lansing, Ohio formerly of Bellaire died Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at his home while surrounded by his loved ones and his dog, Charlie.

He was born May 9, 1928 in Bellaire, a son of the late John Thornton and Nora Wilgus Thornton.

Ken was a retired electrician from Ohio Ferro Alloy in Brilliant and Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale, an Army veteran of the Korean War, a member of Lansing United Methodist Church, and Bridgeport Lodge # 181 F&AM.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Nelle Meister Thornton; sisters, Gladys and Nila Thornton; brothers, Christopher, John, and Howard Thornton.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret Tally Vaughn Thornton; a daughter, Valerie (Thomas) Hogan of St. Clairsville; two stepsons, Tim (Jill) Vaughn of Columbus and Nathan (Beth) Vaughn of Cambridge; two step daughters, Melissa (Mick) Gregorcic of Lansing and Amy (Brian) Strain of Flushing; several step grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend and companion, Charlie.

Friends will be received at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. where services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Julianne Gebbie officiating.

Burial follows in Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville.
Masonic services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

Belmont County Council of American Legions will provide full military honors at 10:45 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lansing United Methodist Church or to Valley Hospice.