Donald Robert Thorne's Obituary
Donald Robert Thorne
April 27, 1933 – February 19, 2021
Don was born on April 27, 1933 to Edward Vanvort Thorne and Elizabeth Reynolds Thorne in Beacon, NY. He had one older brother, Edward Julius Thorne. Don was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Beacon, NY. He graduated from Beacon High School in 1952. During his youth, and beginning at age 9, he delivered the New York Times newspaper. During his high school years Don worked at Art Hanna’s gas station, and as a laborer for a brick mason during the summers. He also worked at his dad's kerosene and fuel oil business. Don graduated from Beacon High School in 1952. After graduation he worked for Nabisco Baking Company in Beacon, NY, where he installed strings on the animal cracker boxes. In February 1953 Don joined the United States Air Force. Following his completion of Basic Training and Technical Training Schools he was assigned to Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA. Don served in the Strategic Air Command, 72nd Bomb Squadron, as part of the ground crew on the B-36 heavy bomber. During his tenure at Travis AFB, Don was selected to attend the USAF Non-Commissioned Officer School. Don completed his training and graduated from the NCO School and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and assumed his new duties as Crew Chief on the B-36 Heavy Bomber. During his off-duty time at Travis AFB he would travel with his buddies to the USO in Sacramento where, in March 1954 he saw a young country girl, named Leone, who was serving sandwiches to the servicemen at the USO. Don asked Leone to dance, and they have been dancing through life ever since. Don and Leone were married August 27, 1955. Following their honeymoon, Don & Leone lived in a small 2nd story apartment over the house next to the Elverta Market for a little over a year. Don was discharged from the Air Force in February 1957, and he and Leone bought a house in Rio Linda in March 1957, where they still reside. After Don was discharged from the Air Force, he worked at the Elverta Market for about
a year. Don eventually got a job with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Sacramento where he worked for the next 25 years. In June 1964, Don graduated from American River College with an Associate Arts (AA) degree. Don retired from Pepsi in 1983. Following his retirement, Don trained racing pigeons for 3 area pigeon clubs during the week. On the weekends Don would drive the combine pigeon race trailer all over California and neighboring states as far away as Idaho.
Don was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Linda since 1955, and served Calvary in many capacities. Don and Leone were Luther League and Chi Rho Young Adult Group Sponsors; he also managed Calvary’s softball team, taught Sunday School, and served as Church Council President. Don was also in charge of Property Management for several years after his retirement. He sang in Calvary’s Choir and Gospel Choir. The choirs would go to and sing for shut-ins in the local area. Don also rang the bell on Calvary’s float in the Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire Parade and was involved in many other activities. Don was very active in both of his son’s lives. He served as coach for the boy’s Little League teams, Rio Linda Youth Basketball teams. Don was also a Cub Scout Leader and a 4-H Club leader in dog obedience training. One of the things he loved to do after his retirement was meeting with a group of guys at “The Table of Knowledge,” down at the Creekside Diner in Rio Linda every morning for coffee. Don enjoyed the many years of RVing with family and friends, and was able to travel to all but 5 of the Continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. His favorite treat was Oreo cookies.
Don stated many times how amazed he was that he lived as long as he did. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his family very much and was very proud of his family. Don passed away peacefully on February 19, 2021, which would have been his father’s 121st birthday, at UCD Medical Center in Sacramento, CA.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Don is survived by his wife Leone; sons Jeffrey (and wife Debra) and Spencer (and wife Tracy); grandchildren Ashlie (Ross), Patrick (Dani), Taylor (Krissey), Jenna (Demetrius) and Christopher (Madelina); great grandchildren Sophia, Cash, Troy, Haze, Tony, Lyla, Scarlett, Rossi and Isabella. Also, his family on the east coast: nephew Steve Thorne (wife Theresa) in New York and niece Debi Bentley (husband Bill) in No. Carolina and their families. And, many nephews, nieces and cousins from the Meyer family, of which he was a big part of all their lives. Don had many friends that loved him and his stories. He was known as: Silver Eagle because of his beautiful head of hair. He and his warm smile will be missed by all.
“His Master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Calvary Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 310, Rio Linda, CA 95673
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