George A. Dornton

George A. Dornton, 82 of Newton Township died on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Munson Hospital in Manistee following a long illness.

George was born on November 19, 1937 in Battle Creek to William and Melissa (Wardell) Dornton. He graduated from Athens High School in 1955.  On June 28, 1958, he married Patricia A. Peterson in Battle Creek.

George worked for General Electric 28 years.  He retired in 2000. Prior to that he worked for Julius Star Appliance Store in Battle Creek. George was a member of the Newton United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed ballooning and was the owner and pilot of "Insomnia" Hot Air Balloon. For the past few years, George has been playing the Hammer Dulcimer with the Olde Tyme Music Group. He liked older cars and has been restoring a 1930 Model A. He enjoyed NASCAR, and working in his wood working shop.   George and Pat enjoyed traveling together spending the winters  in Florida, seeing the country in an RV since 1976, and loved the time they spent  in Alaska in 2018.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Pat; daughters, Judi (Michael) Bird of Ceresco and Jackie (Thomas) Bruce of Manistee; grandchildren, Jason Slayton, Trevor Slayton, Hannah Bruce, Erin Bruce, and Tucker Bruce; step granddaughter Brandi (Ryan) Ledbetter; step-great-grandchildren Greyson Ledbetter and Olivia Ledbetter.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Lisetta Barney and Charles Dornton.

Family will gather with friends from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Tuesday February 25, 2020, at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068.  Funeral services will take place at 11am on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068 with Pastor Connor Bailey officiating.  Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery.  Family will gather with friends following the committal service at the Newton United Methodist Church.  Family request memorial contributions to the Newton United Methodist Church Bell Choir.  Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at http://www.kempffuneralhome.com