Anson A. Thornton

Anson A. Thornton, 55, of Lake City passed away Saturday, September 7th, following a two year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. 

He was born March 8, 1969 a son to Anson and Betty (Richards) Thornton. 

Anson attended Southridge Christian Academy in Conneaut, Ohio for grade school up until his senior year of 1987, where he graduated from the Girard Alliance Christian Academy. He enjoyed staying active and participated in many sports, including baseball, basketball and soccer.  Following his education, he began a career as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist at PHB Inc., where he served for 25 years.  In his later years, Anson followed his calling and passion for driving, and was able to work at Gypsum Express as a skilled truck driver, until his cancer diagnosis in 2022. 

Anson actively participated in various religious communities, including the Church of the Nazarene and the Cross Roads Church in Edinboro, where he made notable contributions. Recently, he attended the Federated Church and continued to demonstrate his strong devotion to his faith.  In his children's younger years he was involved as a boy scout leader and baseball coach. He also enjoyed taking his family on camping trips to Pymatuning, creating memories that his loved ones cherished for years to come. He was an avid hunter finding solace in the woods both during archery and rifle season.  Anson's enthusiasm for the outdoors spilled over into a side-line seat at Yankee Lake Truck night. 

Anson’s two greatest passions in life were his job as a truck driver, a lifelong dream of his, and his family.  He was a proud father to two wonderful children, Taylor (Thornton) Symecki and Anson J Thornton, both of Erie.  His children were truly his pride and joy, and his grandchildren were an even greater extension of that.  He often had his children and grandchildren visiting him, and had been making changes to his house to accommodate them.  He met his wife, Pamela (Sargent), of Lake City, as a teen at a youth group called Christian Endeavor, and reconnected with her many years later in 2015.  They married on September 1, 2017 and spent 7 beautiful years together. Memories they shared included many visits to Lancaster, PA, and to different covered bridges over the Ohio/Pennsylvania area, as was a trademark hobby and keystone of their relationship.  Anson was a true romantic at heart, always living to treat his wife to romantic outings and thoughtful gestures, as well as expressing his love to her through words of affirmation and acts of service.  His acts of service extended beyond his wife and immediate family, and spread to everyone around him.  He did not know a stranger, and was known for striking up conversation with anyone and everyone.  

Anson was a man of God, and can attribute his faith to his beloved mother, Betty, and his high school principal, Dale Shatto, who sat him down one day and had a conversation with him that changed his life. His principal gave him the Gospel message and told him he had an opportunity to make something of his life. Prior to this conversation, Anson had admitted to having a negative outlook on life and a lack of motivation.  But he was led to give his life to the Lord that day and never looked back.  We rest in peace, knowing Anson is now in Glory with His Savior.  

His father, Anson Thornton Jr. preceded him in death. 

He will be greatly missed by his family which include his wife, Pamela (Sargent) Thornton, mother, Betty Fuller (Edwin), daughter, Taylor Symecki (Steven), son, Anson J Thornton, step-daughter, Amelia Buman; brothers, Brian Thornton (Sherry), Michael Nelson (Penny), Chad Nelson, Steven Anson-Thornton; grandchildren, Kara Symecki, Raven Symecki, Alastor Orris, and Idris Flynn Thornton.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Anson Thornton Memorial Fund C/O Edder Funeral Home Inc. 

Friends may call on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Edder Funeral Home Inc. 309 Main St. E. Girard; the following day, Tuesday September 17th, a Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon at the Federated Church 11995 Main St. East Springfield, PA 16411. Burial will follow at Girard Cemetery. 

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