LYMAN- Forest Paul Thornton, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Lyman, Maine, on September 20, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Forest was born at Winchester Hospital in Winchester, Massachusetts, to Barbara “Jane“ Thornton and Thomas Joseph Thornton Jr. of Reading, Massachusetts. He graduated from Reading Memorial High School in Reading, Massachusetts, in 1967 and went on to proudly serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy.
After his military service, Forest worked for several years at Pratt & Whitney, where he made many lifelong friends. Retirement didn’t suit him for long, and he eventually returned to work, joining RSU 57 as a custodian at Massabesic Middle School. He enjoyed his work and the many people he met along the way.
Forest was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in whatever extracurricular activities they were involved in and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. He was an avid sports fan, especially of his beloved New York Giants, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox.
He also enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards, and sharing a drink of whiskey with his friends. Forest was an avid gardener for many years, taking great pride in growing and tending to his garden until Parkinson’s made it too difficult for him to continue.
Forest was predeceased by his parents and both of his wives, Sue Thornton (Welch) and Deborah Thornton (Drown).
He is survived by his daughter, Meghan, and her husband, Harold Eaton; his son, Thomas Thornton; and his beloved grandchildren, Haley Jayne and Parker Joseph Eaton. He is also survived by his brothers, Joel and his wife, Lynn, of Reading, Massachusetts, and William “Homer” and his wife, Jennifer, of Tampa, Florida, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
A celebration of Forest’s life will be held on September 29, 2026, at Masonic Fraternal Lodge #55, 165 Waterboro Road, Alfred, Maine from 1-6pm.
In true Forest fashion, he requested that everyone come wearing jeans and representing their favorite sports team. So please come as you are, wear your team colors, share a story, and celebrate the life of a man who loved his family, his friends, and the simple things that made life worth living.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Forest’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation New England Chapter.
Forest will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the family and friends who were lucky enough to know and love him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, East Waterboro, www.mainefuneral.com
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