Ernest Thompson

Ernest Joseph Thompson, 88, died at 11:23 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Willow Rose Rehab & Health Center in Jerseyville.

He was born in Hardin on September 6, 1926, and was the son of the late Ernest Howard & Rose Matilda (Schleeper) Thompson.

Joe was raised in the Rosedale/Nutwood area and went on to serve our country honorably in Guam with the United States Navy.

He married the former Mary Katherine “Kay” Dotson on February 1, 1964 in Jerseyville and together they were blessed with 51 years of marriage.

He was a hardworking man, owning and operating Thompson Farm Tiling for over 30 years, where he worked alongside his loving wife each and every day until they sold their business and retired in 1995.

Joe was a member of the Hardin American Legion and former member of both the Elks and Moose Lodge in Jerseyville. He and Kay enjoyed traveling together with their many friends, and did so as often as they could. Whether it was camping, cross-country motorcycling or snowmobiling, there was never a dull moment and they were able to create many lasting memories together and stories to share with their family.

Surviving are his wife and devoted caretaker, Kay Thompson of Jerseyville; a daughter, Debra Jane Thompson of East Alton; a son, Robert Alan Thompson; three grandchildren and their spouses, Melissa & Jason Corzine of Alton, Tara & Jason Bode of Collinsville and Stephanie Douglas of Colorado Springs, CO; a great-grandson, Bryson Lee Bode; his sister and brother-in-law, Virginia “Ginni” & Barry Ritter of Jerseyville; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph Grant Thompson and Kenneth W. Douglas; as well as a sister, Helen Powers.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Wilbur Cain officiating.

Burial will take place at the Grimes-Neeley Cemetery in Jerseyville, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting full military rites in honor of his service with the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 Honor Guard.