John Charles Thorndyke

John Charles Thorndyke, age 68, of Marshall, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born January 4, 1950, in Battle Creek the son of Virgil and Joan (DeVine) Thorndyke. On June 16, 1967, John married the love of his life, Katheryn "Kay" Mahan. John retired after many years of service as a heavy equipment operator from Operating Engineers Local 324. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved fishing and hunting but most of all he cherished flying his ultra-lite airplane. It brought him great joy to be soaring above the area and taking pictures of the magnificent scenery. John enjoyed dropping candy from his plane to children at the Olivet Firemans Festival and many other events. Throughout the years many local farmers have had John document the location of drainage tile with pictures of their fields from his plane. John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay; children: Julie (Tom) Harmon of Olivet, Nancy Thorndyke-Reed of Olivet, William "Bill" (Stacy) Thorndyke of Olivet; grandchildren: Zachary Reed of Chicago, Samantha Reed of Chicago, Kaylee Harmon of Olivet, Joshua Harmon of Olivet; special dog, Sophie; siblings: JoAnn (Gary) Chapman of North Carolina, James (Donna) Thorndyke of Tennessee, Jay (Jean) Thorndyke of Bellevue, Jaci Thorndyke of Battle Creek, Jill Jacox of Battle Creek, Jed (Sonia) Thorndyke of Olivet; many nieces and nephews; and very special friends: Bob Parker, Josh Stults, Leo Rice, Jim Swan and MacK Lipe. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 11 A.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastors Steve Byrens and Scott Brood officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 5 P.M. 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Those desiring, may make contributions in Johns memory to the Olivet Fire Department, City On A Hill Community Church, or Oaklawn Hospice.