Franklin D. Thorn

Franklin D Thorn, 92, passed away on May 31st, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 1, 1933 in Winfield, Alabama to Marion and Athel Thorn. He graduated from Vina High School in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted with the Army in 1953 during the Korean War. He did basic training in Breckinridge, KY. Then to Geislingen, Germany with the 22nd Infantry Regiment until May 1955. After returning home from service. Frank moved to Zion. Frank will be remembered for his tireless work ethic. He worked for Warwick until he got a job at John’s Manville in 1955. He worked there for 33 years. He often worked two jobs including Zion Ford and Al’s Paint Store. After retiring from Manville you would find him at Zion Leader and later at ACE Hardware repairing customers windows and screens.

He met his wife Shirley Hudson when he moved north. They married in 1960 at the Methodist Church in Zion, Illinois. They were married for 47 years and had three children.

Anyone who knew Frank knew him as a kind, sweet man, who loved staying busy. He was very active with Zion American Legion Post 865 where he was past Commander and the Zion Moose Lodge where he held several positions. Earlier in life, he was a Boy Scout leader for his son's troop.

Annually, he would participate in putting food baskets together and distributing them during the holidays. You would also see him at Zion’s Memorial Day services carrying the Army hat or Army flag, and you would see him walking in the Zion Labor Day parade with the American Legion. Most recently he rode in the float during the 2024 parade.

He loved working in his yard making baskets out of his bushes and worked tirelessly keeping his lawn beautiful. He enjoyed camping throughout the USA with family and friends. Often, you would find him making items out of wood like walking canes or bird houses.

Frank is survived by his daughter Michele (Bill), and sons Kevin (Tammy) and Darryl (Kim); grandchildren Garrett (Ashley), Kayle (Alex), Karissa, Tyler, Lauren (Hunter) and Ryan; great grandchildren Mackenzie, Bella, Bryson, Maison and Weston, Oakley and Blaze; as well as sister-in-law Velma Miner; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by wife Shirley, his parents Marion and Athel, his siblings Ruby (Shannon), Paul, Cullin (Margaret), JC (Claudine) and Robbie (Roy).

Friends and family will meet for Visitation on Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 12PM-4PM at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL. The funeral service will take place the following day on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11AM with interment to follow in Warren Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mooseheart or Moose Haven or Zion-Benton Moose Lodge.