Earl William Thompson Jr., 82, of Gahanna, Ohio, transitioned peacefully on January 30, 2022.
He was born in South Bend, IN on January 7, 1940 to the late Earl and Lilly Mae (Gaithers) Thompson, Sr.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Patricia Traylor, Gloria Saunders; and brother, Donald Monroe.
Surviving family includes loving wife of 30 years, Sandra Thompson; children, Carl Thompson, Linda (David) Wyatt, Cinda (Dale) Kerns, Anita Thompson, Yvonne D. Kelley; grandchildren, Andrew M.(Ashley Tamez) Kelley, Myiah N. (Tim) Kelley-Domer, Makeighla R. Kelley; great grandchildren, Aliyah, Ariel, Kevin; sisters, Iris Bracey, Lynn Webster; best friend, Marvin (Ruby) White, of Ennis, TX; as well as many other loving extended family and friends.
He was a 1956 graduate of Central High School in South Bend, IN, where he participated in the ROTC. Earl was a Proud United States Marine, and did five tours in Vietnam as a Gunnery Sergeant. Earl was a Free and Accepted Masons AF and AM and a member of the Harvey Alston Elks Lodge.
Earl was a Night Auditor for Hospitality, while working for a variety of hotel chains. He retired from the Columbus Public School System as Head Custodian.
He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 30 years. Within those years he participated in; Brotherhood Chorus and Prison Ministry. He also participated in the Easter Pageant as John the Beloved and was the founding member of the Veterans Day Program at the church.
Earl was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Cruises and family vacations are some of his most cherished memories. Earl was a die-hard Notre Dame Football fan. He was known for attending his grandchildren's games / activities - in a 3 piece suit. He loved sitting on the front porch listening to Jazz music and watching the birds; in addition he loved cooking for family dinners.
Patriarch of the family leaving his cousin, Lylene Thompson-Cannon as the Matriarch to carry his legacy.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Scott Blair, Columbus Oncology, the Columbus VA Medical Center, Riverside Methodist Hospital, the Real Estate Construction and Facilities Department of OhioHealth, Dedicated Sr. Medical Center Drive, Patrick Callender, Crown Point Care Center, Bella Care Hospice, Jewell Thompson Potter, Yvonne D. Kelley (Caregiver), as well as Tim and Carrie Domer.
Inurnment will take place at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45428.
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