Michael Thornton

Michael James Thornton born April 22, 1949 to Ervin & Elsie-Dean Thornton in Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Mike attended high school at Klamath Union, class of 1967, and went to college receiving his engineering degree at OIT. He worked at the family business Overhead Door Co of KFalls.

Mike owned Overhead Door Co. of Bend & Garage Door Services in Bend in the late 70's, early 80's. It was there in Bend that he met the love of his life Lori Smith. Later they moved to Salem where he worked for Overhead Door of Salem. Mike made the decision to move his family back to his hometown in 1988 to take over the family business.

For the past 30 years he operated and owned Overhead Door Co. of KFalls dba EDM,Inc. He was involved in the Klamath Basin Home Builders Association for many years. He sold the business in 2019. Mike was also a member of Mt. Mazama Mountain Men Club and Ponderosa Mountain Men Club. Mike was president of the Klamath club for 12 years. He was known as "Iron Mike" to everyone that knew him. Iron Mike made the best gun stands, lantern stands & full iron fire pits. He had his own distinctive design on all his iron work. Mike loved to weld and was an excellent welder.

Mike's greatest joy was spending time with his wife Lori of 44 years and their children and grandchildren. He was happy wherever his family gathered, he was devoted to them, every moment was treasured. His family loved him dearly.

Mike loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. He raised his children to love all outdoor sports, making sure he was involved in all of their activities, teaching them gun safety, and how to fish & hunt. His grandchildren Lane & Grace learned so much from their Grandpa.

Mike was well known for his kindness, always willing to help others, some say he was a quiet man, but if you got to know him that didn't last long! He was an honorable man, a born leader and was respected by so many people. He was "one of the good guys"!

He is survived by his wife Lori, daughter Rachelle (Eric Bays), Sons Shad, Eric (Misty) and Josh, and Grandchildren Lane and Grace Bays, and Alanis and Hunter Thornton and Sister in Law Nicky Thornton Guerrero & her husband Rick also brother in laws & sister in laws, Markus Smith, Leslie & Jeff Peterson, Laura & Mike Mattingly & Lisa Harding. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin & Deane Thornton and his brother Carl Thornton.

He leaves behind so many wonderful cousins and many close friends that meant so much to him. Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In our hearts, you will always stay, loved and remembered every day.

Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us.

Forever in our hearts.

The family is planning a remembrance gathering for a later date.