Robert N. “Bob” Thorn, 85, passed away on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, at Adams Heritage in Monroeville surrounded by his family. He had been a resident for three days and this followed a brief illness of a month.
Bob was born on February 20, 1941 in New Albany, Indiana to Morris L. and Harriet E. (McCurdy) Thorn. He was united in marriage to Ann L. Arnold on December 28, 1963, at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur.
Bob was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen, where he faithfully served as an elder, deacon, and on several church boards. He was a former member of the North Adams Community School Board and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce.
He graduated from New Albany High School in 1959, and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in economics from Franklin College. He was co-owner and operator of Arnold Lumber Inc. for 35 years, before retirement in 2006.
Bob found great joy in fishing, hunting, and golfing, but his greatest happiness came from spending time as a grandpa and great-grandpa. Among his achievements in life, he cherished the times spent with his sons and grandchildren as they hunted and fished throughout the United States. He also took pride and satisfaction in caring for his lawn and spending time outdoors…which prevented Ann from moving to the city. Among the many “Bobism’s” that the family reflected on, perhaps the two most practical were “That’s just stupid” and “Glad you got to see me”…which is what he witnessed at his passing.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Thorn of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Susan Dyer of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Emily (Kevin) O’Dowd of Hamilton, Indiana; son, John (Jill) Thorn of Whitefish, Montana; daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Terry) Wright of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Wanda Baker of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; sister-in-law, Reta Thorn of Gastonia, North Carolina; grandchildren, Nathan (Kendra) Shelton, Rachael Shelton, Katie (Zach) Garrett, Sarah (fiancé Erick Aguirre) Norder, Emma Norder, Grace Nelson, Claire Nelson, Spencer Thorn, Mikenna Thorn, Lahna Thorn, Brecken Thorn, Emma Wright, Casey O’Dowd, and Conor O’Dowd and great-grandchildren, Ayiden, Jaxyn, Micah, Julia, Ellie, Marshall, Eleanor, Levi, Joshua, and one more on the way, Rowyn.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one son, Robert A. Thorn; a grandson, Todd Shelton; great grandson, Christian Shelton; and a brother, David Thorn.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen with Pastor Peter Brock and Pastor Berett Steffen officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bingen.
Family and friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
The family requests that memorials be given to St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen.
About the Author
