John 'Jack' Kenneth Thornton

John "Jack" Kenneth Thornton, 93, passed away on January 21st, 2011 at his residence in Whitetail Terrace. He leaves behind his daughter Mary Lou Kyle-Bittner and son-in-law Don Bittner; his long-time companion and dear friend Mary Jane Fenton; his three grandchildren Keith Kyle, Kurt Kyle and Kelly Carothers and four great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his first wife Marian Louise (Young) Thornton and his siblings including Florence Baird, Edna Kyler, Dorothy Thompson, Guy Thornton, Lester Thornton, Ralph Thornton and Francis Thornton. Jack was born and raised in Lock Haven, PA on June 19th, 1917. In 1933 he started to work for Bottorf Brothers Shoes as a store clerk. In 1942, he married Marian Young. The two were married 32 years before her passing in 1974. From 1943-1945, Jack served as company clerk in the Army during World War II as part of the Army\'s Company A, 104th Infantry Regiment. Upon his honorable discharge, Jack resumed work at Bottorf Brothers Shoes and eventually purchased the business in 1954 which he continued as President of the company until his retirement in 1992. Jack was a long-time and faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He was also a past president of the Lock Haven Kiwanis club and the Lock Haven Merchants Bureau. A visitation session for family and friends will be held at the Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall on Sunday, January 23rd from 1:30pm to 2:30pm with a service following at 2:30pm. The Rev. Dr. Will Lawbaugh will officiate. Interment will be private. Contributions in memory of Jack can be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 206, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Memorials: n/a Cemetery: Private. Visitation: 1:30 to 2:30, Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Helt Funeral Chapel. Service: Sunday, January 23, 2011, 2:30 P.M.