John Milton Thornton, 76 passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025 surrounded by family and friends at Hospice in Naples, FL. John was born in Akron to his father, John M. Thornton and mother,  Betty Simmons Seese Thornton on March 17, 1949.

John graduated from Stow High School in 1967 and then went on to college at Kent State University, graduating with a recreation degree in 1971. When he turned 18 he connected with his grandparents in Portage Lakes, Parke H and Maud Thornton, to express his desire to work at Turkeyfoot Golf Links, the family golf  business established by Parke H in 1925.  His grandfather put him to work on the maintenance crew in 1968. Then he joined the Army National Guard in 1970, shortly after the Vietnam draft lottery started, and served for 6 years.  After graduating college he started working in the clubhouse as the assistant manager to his uncle, Parke R (Bud) Thornton, who had become the general manager after Parke H. By 1985, John had taken on the business roles of his grandfather and uncle before him as general manager. He continued in this role until 2016, when he retired.

After retiring, he and his beloved wife, Darlene, became full-time residents of Naples, FL, having spent many years as snowbirds enjoying their second home. John continued to share his passion for golf, working part-time at Lakewood Golf Course in Naples until October 2023.

John faced numerous health challenges in recent years, ultimately succumbing to kidney failure complicated by a gallbladder infection. Despite these struggles, his spirit remained vibrant. He was eagerly anticipating celebrating 40 years of marriage with Darlene in August.

A man of many joys, John loved golf, tennis, bike riding, and cruising his golf cart to visit neighborhood friends. He and Darlene were active in their Naples community, often attending neighbor dances and events. John also cherished trips to Las Vegas, where he embraced life’s adventures.

John leaves behind his devoted wife, Darlene Thornton; children, Tia Brenner (Justin), Jonathan Thornton, Tai Gardner (Scott), and Rose Banner (Greg); grandchildren, Benjamin Brenner, Andrew Brenner, Tyler Gardner, Mindy Stratos (Jerry), Sarah Banner, Brian Banner, Brandon Stekle, and Taylor Stekle; and great-grandchildren, Breanna Haufe, Jeremiah Stratos, Elinor Stratos, Lenore Morales, Helen Stekle, Elliot Stekle, and Franklin Stekle; Sister Sandy Ekmark (Ray); Brother, Doug Seese (Linda); He is predeceased in death by his daughter, Donna Stekle and brother Frank Seese.

John’s warmth, humor, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name can be made to:

Cleveland Clinic Challenge Golf

1596 Flickinger Rd, Akron, OH 44312 Please mail donations in John’s name directly to this Golf Course address.

A celebration of life will be held this summer in Akron, Ohio.  Details to follow.