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Michael David Thornton

Date of Death: December 31, 1969

Michael D. Thornton

Michael David Thornton, 59, of Winchester, VA, died Thursday, September 22, 2011, in his home.

Mr. Thornton was born in 1952 in Christiansburg, VA, the son of the late George William and Evelyn Christine Thornton. He was a musician with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thornton was a graduate of the Yale University with a Masters in Music and also a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Surviving are two sons, Matthew Hadley Thornton and Jeremy David Thornton both of Fairmont, WV; sister, Darshia Thornton Allwine of Alexandria, VA; aunt, Zella Mae Thornton and husband Ed Chapman of Winchester, VA; great aunt and uncle Helen and Eugene Williams of Atlanta, GA; nephew, John Donald Allwine, III and wife, Hazel of Alexandria, VA; niece, Sarah Allwine McCraney of Stafford, VA; cousins, Esther Mae Thornton Wren and husband James and their children JohnAllen, Deeana Wren of Front Royal, VA, and Donna Gray Boyd of Columbus, OH, Dolores Williams of Atlanta, GA.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday at Virginia Hills Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA with Reverend Aaron Kraft officiating. Inurnment will be in Mount Comfort Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Edgehill Recovery Center, 315 E. Cork St. Winchester, VA 22601 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St. Winchester, VA 22601.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.

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Michael D. Thornton Michael David Thornton, 59, of Winchester, VA, died Thursday, September 22, 2011, in his home. Mr. Thornton was born in 1952 in Christiansburg, VA, the son of the late George William and Evelyn Christine Thornton. He was a musician with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thornton was a graduate of the YaleContinue Reading

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public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
"Tuba" Mike, he bacame a part of our everyday lives in the winchester community. He is greatly missed. He is a brilliant man who knew something about everything. I miss your incredible knowledge and all the conversations we had. We all love you!
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
I had the privilege of knowing Mike Thornton for only a year or so, but what a rich and rewarding time it was for me,. I came to know Mike to be charming, generous, kind, considerate and very interesting, possessing much knowledge of music, history, sports, politics and all manner of other things. Those of us who unreservedly believe in the reality of eternal life, Heaven and of our Beloved Creator, are sustained by the knowledge that Mike continues, now free from physical suffering and travails, having graduated from the course of study called Life on Earth, with Summa Cum Laude honors. I envision Mike as now having set aside the cumbersome tuba that he played while with the Cincinnati Symphony, choosing in its place a trumpet - lighter, easier to wield aloft - maybe one like Dizzy Gillespie played, pointing up and out - or like the one that Gabriel plays. Keep on making beautiful music, Mike. You were and are a virtuoso. We love you, and may Almighty God continue to bless you and yours. Bob Maher, Winchester, Virginia
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Growing up I knew Mike as "Uncle Mike". I have so many great childhood memories with him in each one of them. Memories that range from the Washington DC Zoo, Smithsonian trips, Cincinatti Zoo etc. It was great to see him a few weeks ago on his visit to Alexandria, VA. We had a great time talking, sharing stories etc. Got to hear more about his childhood stories of Him and Dad growing up together and how they became friends. He was a truly amazing and remarkable man, who touched so many lives and inspired so many people. He will be greatly missed but will forever be in our hearts.
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Mike was a very sweet courteous guy. He had knee surgery I think in January of this year and he had 3 months under his belt allowing him to walk to our house and enjoy a few beers and conservation. He discussed the knee surgery with Fay who had hers March 1. Mike was very open about his past. Fay and I looked forward to talking to him. He was writing a civil war story that I think he said he tore it up. I wonder what became of it really. I did not want to believe he tore it up. I heard some people read it and liked it. We will miss this guy at Brewbakers.
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Mike came into my life when I was 17 years old and a freshman at CCM. He will always have a very special place in my heart. We were married for 23 wonderful years and shared a love for music but most importantly, the love for our two boys, Matthew and Jeremy. I just returned from the memorial service and I was so proud of them... they both delivered very touching and heartfelt eulogies commemorating their dad. I know as they go through life they will always make him proud. I love you, Matthew and Jeremy... Always ~ Mom
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Sad to say, I just learned today of Mike's death. We were in school together at CCM--both tubists! When I first arrived, Mike sold me an old horn, and I enjoyed using that Alexander for my college career. He was always the whiz kid on the tuba--the one everyone else wanted to imitate. Sadly, we lost touch over the years. I have nothing but good memories of our times together. Rest in peace, friend.
The Dadabo Family, Fairfield, Ohio left a message on September 28, 2011:
In honor of Michael David Thornton, The Dadabo Family, Fairfield, Ohio lit a candle.
tina nojak left a message on September 28, 2011:
"Tuba" Mike, he bacame a part of our everyday lives in the winchester community. He is greatly missed. He is a brilliant man who knew something about everything. I miss your incredible knowledge and all the conversations we had. We all love you!
Mandy Loy left a message on September 28, 2011:
R.I.P. Mike. You were a great neighbor and you will be missed.
Bob and Gaye Dorsey left a message on September 29, 2011:
In honor of Michael David Thornton, Bob and Gaye Dorsey lit a candle.
Bob Maher left a message on September 29, 2011:
I had the privilege of knowing Mike Thornton for only a year or so, but what a rich and rewarding time it was for me,. I came to know Mike to be charming, generous, kind, considerate and very interesting, possessing much knowledge of music, history, sports, politics and all manner of other things. Those of us who unreservedly believe in the reality of eternal life, Heaven and of our Beloved Creator, are sustained by the knowledge that Mike continues, now free from physical suffering and travails, having graduated from the course of study called Life on Earth, with Summa Cum Laude honors. I envision Mike as now having set aside the cumbersome tuba that he played while with the Cincinnati Symphony, choosing in its place a trumpet - lighter, easier to wield aloft - maybe one like Dizzy Gillespie played, pointing up and out - or like the one that Gabriel plays. Keep on making beautiful music, Mike. You were and are a virtuoso. We love you, and may Almighty God continue to bless you and yours. Bob Maher, Winchester, Virginia
Demetria & Lee Claytor left a message on September 30, 2011:
In honor of Michael David Thornton, Demetria & Lee Claytor lit a candle.
M.Wilsted (Lytle) left a message on September 30, 2011:
Growing up I knew Mike as "Uncle Mike". I have so many great childhood memories with him in each one of them. Memories that range from the Washington DC Zoo, Smithsonian trips, Cincinatti Zoo etc. It was great to see him a few weeks ago on his visit to Alexandria, VA. We had a great time talking, sharing stories etc. Got to hear more about his childhood stories of Him and Dad growing up together and how they became friends. He was a truly amazing and remarkable man, who touched so many lives and inspired so many people. He will be greatly missed but will forever be in our hearts.
starf2sh2 left a message on October 3, 2011:
Mike was a very sweet courteous guy. He had knee surgery I think in January of this year and he had 3 months under his belt allowing him to walk to our house and enjoy a few beers and conservation. He discussed the knee surgery with Fay who had hers March 1. Mike was very open about his past. Fay and I looked forward to talking to him. He was writing a civil war story that I think he said he tore it up. I wonder what became of it really. I did not want to believe he tore it up. I heard some people read it and liked it. We will miss this guy at Brewbakers.
Susan Bestul left a message on October 3, 2011:
Mike came into my life when I was 17 years old and a freshman at CCM. He will always have a very special place in my heart. We were married for 23 wonderful years and shared a love for music but most importantly, the love for our two boys, Matthew and Jeremy. I just returned from the memorial service and I was so proud of them... they both delivered very touching and heartfelt eulogies commemorating their dad. I know as they go through life they will always make him proud. I love you, Matthew and Jeremy... Always ~ Mom
Rick Nelson left a message on October 6, 2012:
Sad to say, I just learned today of Mike's death. We were in school together at CCM--both tubists! When I first arrived, Mike sold me an old horn, and I enjoyed using that Alexander for my college career. He was always the whiz kid on the tuba--the one everyone else wanted to imitate. Sadly, we lost touch over the years. I have nothing but good memories of our times together. Rest in peace, friend.
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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