The Alpena New, June 2, 1964  

Robert J. Thorne

Robert J. Thorne, 78, of Lachine, died at noon Monday at Alpena Hospital, where he had been a patient since Apr. 2, 1963  

A retired farmer, he was born Apr. 16, 1886 in Long Rapids and had spent his life in the area.  He married Ethel Umphrey in Long Rapids in 1909.  She died in 1947.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Lyle Donaldson (Mary) of Harrison, Mrs. Steve Kisle (Nina) of Centerline and Mrs. Oscar Long (Eva) of Flint; three sons, Clifford of Spratt, Eular of Roseville and Milo of Alpena; 11 grandchildren; and a brother, Milo, of Long Rapids.  Another son , Roger, died in 1930.

Mr. Thorne's body is at the Bannan Funeral Home, where the funeral will be at 2 Wednesday.  The Rev. Norris Beck of the Greeley Baptist Church will officiate.  Burial will be in Long Rapids Cemetery.

[From Ruth Ann Cochrane, 16 Jul., 1998]