Obituaries

Melvin “Mel” George Thorne, age 80, of Pickford, Michigan, passed away at his home on August 9, 2025. He was born on July 7, 1945, at his family farm in Pickford to Levi and Emeline (O’Brien) Thorne.

Mel grew up in Pickford and attended Pickford Area Schools until his junior year, when he moved to Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan. After high school, he lived in Detroit for three years and worked for the City of Plymouth, Michigan. Mel also spent several summers on Mackinac Island, driving draft horse carriages, before returning home in 1969 to take over and run Thorne Farms, established in 1910. The farm later became recognized as a Michigan Centennial Farm in 2010, a source of great pride for him and his family.

Alongside farming, Mel was deeply involved in his community. He and his wife, Cathy, were involved with Pickford High School Track and Field, inspiring young athletes for many years. They also shared a love for the outdoors and athletics, spending countless hours watching sports on TV, attending local sporting events, and hunting together. Mel spent 25 years driving a school bus for the Pickford School District, becoming a friendly and familiar face to generations of students. He was always willing to share his farming knowledge, mentoring many people over the years and encouraging them with his positive attitude and outlook on life.

Mel was a devoted husband to Cathy. She spent three years in Medilodge, he visited her every single day, no matter the weather. His unwavering commitment was a testament to his deep love for her, his dedication to family, his passion for farming, and his lifelong commitment to the Pickford community.

Mel is survived by his stepchildren, John (Susan) Edington of Pickford, Todd (Debra) Edington of Barbeau, Michigan, Sharon (Marty) LaJoie of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Diane Gervais of Pickford; grandchildren, Derrick (Julia Stenglein) Edington, Nicholas Edington, George (Taylor Talaska) Edington, Jacob Edington, Nathan Edington, Matthew Edington, Kaitlyn Edington, Timothy Edington, Kaye Rutledge, Natalie Shaw, Tiffany (Kyle Maleport) Shaw, Alivia LaJoie, Alicia Gervais, Alex (Ashton Kearns) Young, Scott (Erica) Gervais, and Stephanie Gervais; great-grandchildren, Conner, Abigail, Levi VanLuven, Elizabeth VanLuven, and Lillian VanLuven, Harper Shaw, Bryson Shogren, and Karson Maleport; sister-in-law, Patricia Thorne of Vicksburg, Michigan; along with several nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by his bride of thirty-six years, Cathy; his parents, Levi and Emeline; siblings, Jean (Charles Newbern) (Cyril) Judson, Bud (Dorothy) Thorne, Dolly (Charles) Lawrence, Frank (Betty) Thorne, and Chuck Thorne.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI, 49774. The Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 Noon with the burial to follow. Pastor Josh Jones will be officiating.

Mel’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Mel’s honor to the Pennington Home, 665 S Pleasant St. Pickford, MI 49774 or the Panther Legacy Project (Fund the Fieldhouse Project), 333 S. Pleasant St. Pickford, MI 49774.