Charles Dee Thorn

Charles Dee Thorn, 71, left this life on June 26, 2017 at the home he shared with Lynn, his wife of 25 years, in Grants Pass, OR. He was known as CD, Charlie, Officer Charlie, or Pastor Charlie depending on his stage of life.

Charlie was born June 21, 1946 to June and the late Jim Thorn. Charlie resided in Gauley Mills, WV until the age of 12 when the family immigrated to southern California. Charlie graduated from Azusa High School in 1964 and later moved to Grants Pass, OR. Charlie became a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Grants Pass and in 1970 he was hired by the City as a full time Police Officer. During his 24 year law enforcement career Charlie performed several duties within the police department as a patrol officer, detective, and corporal, but his passion was serving the children of Grants Pass as a Dare Officer until his retirement in 1994.

Charlie tried to live the retired life but soon realized that for him, forty-eight was too young and he was too motivated to not have another career he was passionate about. He pursued a number of hobbies and ventures, and in 2005 Charlie went from hand cuffs to wedding rings where he truly found his second calling as a Pastor, performing hundreds of marriage ceremonies until he retired his marriage bible in 2016.

During his later years in life Charlie battled daily against Parkinson’s Disease, and being the warrior he was, Charlie lived the last years of his life the best he could under his physical limitations. Charlie was a proud man who always provided for his family and put his love for them above all others, including himself.

For those who would like honor the man that Charlie was, donations can to be made in his name to The National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Charlie is survived by his wife Lynn Thorn, his mother June Thorn, his sister Zora Fowler, his daughters Wendy Acup and Hollie Ablott, his son Robert Piontek, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.