Claude “Ervin” Thorn, 81, Carthage, Missouri, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 9, 2022, at his home. Ervin was born December 5, 1940, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of Elmer Ervin Thorn and Josephine (Sloniker) Thorn. Ervin married the love of his life, Cynthia Ritchie, on December 1, 1960, in Carthage. Ervin worked as a supervisor for Morrow Mill for 32 years, a supervisor for Specific Feed for 6 years, Mid-America for 8 years, and finally as a truck driver for D&D Sexton until his retirement in 2006. He was a member, a deacon, and helped establish the Bus Ministry at the First Baptist Church in Carthage. Ervin was a hard worker but enjoyed his time as an avid hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Cynthia Thorn; a daughter, Cindy Smallwood (Kim); a son, David Thorn (Rhonda); a foster son, Khanh Nguyen; grandchildren, Zachary Thorn (Amy), Joshua Thorn (Patricia), Micah Smallwood (Caden), Casey Smallwood, and Madeline Burris (Andrew); great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Jacqueline, Cooper, Isabella, Zayne, Averi, and Ellie; four sisters, Lillie Tatum, Velma Mitchell, Sue Carr (Charles), Bernice Lynch (John); a brother, Elmer Thorn (Mary); and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Violet Stark and Mary Smith.
Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Saturday, August 13, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Carthage. Burial will follow the service at Jasper Cemetery, Reeds, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Friday, August 12, 2022, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to the First Baptist Church, Carthage, or Gideons International in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
