Robert Clarke Thornton

Robert Clarke Thornton, 66, of Manchester, MD, passed away suddenly at his home on December 15, 2017. Born on September 10, 1951, in Baltimore County, MD, he was the son of the late Charles Herman and Ruth (Carper) Thornton. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carol Ann (Hall) Thornton.

Robert worked as a claims adjuster for many years at State Auto Insurance. He was a beloved member of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Alumni.

He had multiple nicknames -- Pops, Crunch, Thunder, even Swine to the person he called Scum -- but what Robert "Bob/Bobby" Clarke Thornton cherished most was being called a husband, a dad, a grandfather, a brother and a friend, and bringing joy to all the lives he touched. Bob had many interests and gifts. He was an artist, a photographer, a musician, a gardener, and a teacher. Bob's playfulness helped us never lose sight of our inner child. He also helped us never lose sight of our childhood friends. He was Facebook before it existed, and he did it by actually talking with people while making each one feel special. He was the one who kept us connected. He was the one whose light always seemed to shine brightest. Suddenly, that light is gone, the darkness reminding us how precious life is.

Surviving him in addition to his wife are children: Laura Elizabeth Hughes and husband Alan of Hampstead, MD, and Charles Ryan Thornton of Greencastle, PA, grandchildren: Ethan and Austin Hughes, and sisters: Diane Gelrud of Hanover, PA and Leta Derasse of Westminster, MD, and many nieces, nephews and devoted family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, 2930 Hanover Pike, Manchester, MD 21102, on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to SMCM Foundation, 47645 College Drive, St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686.