Lee G. Thorburn, age 86, of Dansville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at The Willows at Okemos.
Lee was born on September 8, 1939, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Gail and Geraldine (Hill) Thorburn. He was raised in Mason, where he developed a love of farming. As a young man, Lee raised dairy cows on the family farm, was active in Ingham County 4-H Livestock, and participated in FFA. He graduated from Mason High School in 1958 and later completed Michigan State University’s two-year agricultural program.
On December 28, 1966, Lee married Lucia (Search) in Mason. Together they began their family and settled on a farm in Ionia in 1971, where they raised their two sons, Loren and Luke.
Lee raised hogs and crop farmed during this time as well as worked various jobs such as selling feed, driving a cement truck, and working as a farmhand at Clover Farms for a number of years. In 1986, the family moved to Dansville, where Lee and Lucia resided for the rest of their years together.
Lee worked for Okemos Public Schools as head custodian, retiring after 25 years of service. In addition, he spent 19 years assisting with farm work at Roger Graf Farms in Stockbridge and later worked for 13 years on the Minnis family farm.
In his free time, Lee enjoyed yard work, carpentry, and working on and restoring antique tractors. In 2010, Lee joined the All Color Tractor Club, sparking a passion for restoring antique tractors, including a 1956 John Deere 420, a McCormick Farmall H, and a Massey Harris. He proudly showcased his restorations in local parades and drove across the Mackinac Bridge on six different occasions during the Antique Tractor Crossing. He attended Millville United Methodist Church for 40 years and was a devoted MSU fan, proudly holding season tickets for MSU women’s basketball at one time.
Lee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lucia Thorburn; his sons, Loren (Tara) Thorburn of Chelsea and Luke Thorburn of Williamston; six grandchildren, Foster, Riley, Owen, Ellie, Eston, and Emerson; his siblings, Tom (Jeanne) Thorburn of Zeeland, Bruce (Audrey) Thorburn of Dansville, Stuart (Kathy) Thorburn of Okemos, Sterling Thorburn of Lansing, Rex Thorburn of Mason, and Karen Tindall of Mason; along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Millville United Methodist Church, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Millville United Methodist Church, the All Color Antique Tractor Club, or the Dansville Food and Clothing Bank. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
