James Mell Thompson

James Mell Thompson MARION-James Mell Thompson, 87, of Marion, Illinois passed away at 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 14, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, May 17, 2009 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Todd Greiner officiating. Visitation will from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lake Creek Cemetery in Whiteash. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Thompson was born June 29, 1921 in Crab Orchard, Illinois to U. Sherman and Florence (Barker) Thompson. He married Amelia Geneva “Smokey” Haseker on May 24, 1946 in Williamson County they shared 58 years together until her death on May 23, 2004. The Thompson’s had no children of their own but are survived by nephews, Ron L. Haseker, Mike & Vickie Haseker, Michele Whitehead-Otto all of Marion, Richard & Sherri Thompson, Arlene & Alan Fox, Debra & David Daniels; brother, Robert Thompson; sister Pat Beasley both of West Frankfort; grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Michael & Cayenne Haseker, Shelly and Hailey Haseker and their families; brother-in-law, John Milligan of Indianapolis, Indiana; niece-in-law Louise Thompson; he was known as “PaPa” to Amy, Daniel, and Rachel Whitehead. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Amelia; grandmother Louvinia “Granny” Thompson; sister, Ester Thompson-Milligan; nephew, Jim Thompson, and brother-in-law, Carl Beasley. Mr. Thompson served his county in the United States Army. He worked in the coal mines as a hoisting engineer. He loved, mowing, gardening, and bird hunting. He will be missed by all who knew him.