Richard Silverthorn

Richard “Dick” Lew Silverthorn, 83, of Baroda passed away Saturday, April 5, 2014 at his home surrounded by and in the care of his family.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Friday, April 11, 2014 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman with Reverend Gordon Berry officiating. Friends may meet with the family on Thursday from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oronoko Twp. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Stevensville United Methodist Church Youth Group, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville MI 49127, Humane Society of SW Michigan, 641 S. Crystal Avenue, Benton Harbor MI 49022 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Dick was born January 12, 1931 in Benton Harbor the son of the late Joseph “Joel” and Anna (Smith) Silverthorn. On June 9, 1972 he married Joan Vanderboegh and together they shared 41 years of life and love. He was a middle school teacher with the Berrien Springs Public Schools, retiring in 1992 after 30 years of service. Dick was a US Air Force veteran where he served during the Korean Conflict from 1951 -1955. Dick and Joan are members of Stevensville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife - Joan; children - Rick (Cathy) Silverthorn of Florida, Cindy (Doug) Harper of Texas, Pam (Tim) Casey of Colorado, Edward (Anna) Silverthorn of New York, Jeanne (Dan) Shelton of Berrien Springs, Beth (Tom) Tompkins of Three Oaks; 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law: Marge Silverthorn of St. Joseph and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was also preceded in death by a brother - Robert Silverthorn.