Kenneth Jerome Thornton , 69, of Harrisburg, PA, was born on July 18, 1955 to the late John Thornton and Eddie Bell (Cheatham) Thornton. He passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Kenneth, affectionately known as "Kenny" and "Ken," graduated from Harrisburg High School's Class of 1973. Upon graduation, he attended California University of Pennsylvania, earning his Bachelor of Science in Geology.

Ken joined the Boy Scouts in his youth and, as a young adult, achieved the high honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. After college, Ken returned to Harrisburg and served several years as a scout leader alongside many of his childhood friends. He also worked for and eventually retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Ken was an avid sports fan. He loved football and was fond of the San Francisco 49ers; however, he became exceptionally excited during the college basketball season during "March Madness." Ken enjoyed deep sea fishing with his brother Theodore, "Teddy," and listening to jazz.

Ken had a kind heart and often went out of his way to help and support family, friends, and friends of friends. If you needed help, you could always depend on Ken to be there. He once traveled six hours to pick up his daughter's friends from school even though he had never met them, but he did it because she asked.

Ken is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory his wife Helen Thornton of Harrisburg, daughters Mikiah Thornton of Harrisburg, Jessica Moore (Isaac) of Upper Marlboro Maryland, and Alizah Thornton of Harrisburg; Mother Eddie Bell (Cheatham) Thornton; brothers Theodore Reed (Kathleen) of Woodbridge Virginia, Wayne Thornton of Upper Marlboro Maryland, sister Barbara Morton (Arthur) of Philadelphia; grandchildren Yasarah Thornton, Nesiah Thornton, Jordan Moore and a host of cousins nieces, nephews and friends. Ken is predeceased in death by his father, John Thornton.

A memorial service for Ken will be held Sunday, September 8, from 1- 4 pm at the American Legion Post 1001– North Harrisburg located at 225 Greenwalt Ln, Harrisburg PA 17110.