Phillip Lamar Thorn

Phillip L. Thorn, Sr. passed on to Glory, December 15, 2013 at the age of 83. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Jesus presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore,” Psalm 16:11. Phil was born to Julius L. Thorn, a YMCA Director, and Joela Thorn, a great teacher, in New Castle, Indiana on August 11, 1930. Assisting his father in many YMCA endeavors, he elected to serve to God in that profession. He graduated from Eureka College, Eureka, IL, and continued his graduate education at George Williams College, at that time in Chicago, where he worked part-time at Hyde Park YMCA and 111th St. YMCA. After receiving Certification, he worked as Boy’s Work Director, which included a coed teen club for youth in Hastings, Nebraska. Following that 80 hour week position, he went to Ottumwa, IA, as both Boy’s Work Director and Camp Director. He then moved on up as Chief Director of Carbondale YMCA., PA, Ridgway, PA YMCA and Kittanning, PA YMCA. Because of his experience in helping struggling YMCA’s, he was asked to be an Associate of the state of PA YMCA and traveled all of the western section of PA, starting and developing new clubs where no major YMCA existed, and assisting YMCA in existence when trouble arose. Before moving to Okmulgee YMCA he served seven years in Piscataway, NJ a branch of New Brunswick, NJ YMCA. His is survived by his wife, of 61 years, Stella; a brother, George and his wife, Nancy of Portland, OR; a son, Phillip Thorn, Jr. and his wife, Paula; his daughter, Hyla Van Meveren; grandchildren, Christopher Thorn, Dustin Van Meveren and Crystal Van Meveren. He also has three great-grandchildren, Jamie, Jaydon and Brooklyn. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Okmulgee Cemetery with Brother Richard Manning officiating.