Bernard “Ray” Thompson, 88 of Bluffton passed away at 11:50 pm on Friday, November 24, 2017 at Christian Care Retirement Community in Bluffton. Ray had worked for 24 years at Pontiac Foundry and retired in 1982 from Wards Foundry in Fort Wayne. He was a coon hunter and won an American Championship. He also loved fishing and the outdoors. In his early years he lived on the farm, having horses, pigs and chickens. He loved gardening and his family always came first. Ray and Mary were very skilled in many areas.
Ray was born on October 30, 1929 in Macon County, Tennessee, the son of R. C. and Lassie B. (Jones) Thompson.
He was united in marriage to Mary E. Shrum on October 9, 1948 in Franklin, Kentucky. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2015.
Survivors include four sons: Dwight E. Thompson of Fort Wayne; Glenn R. Thompson of Berne; Darrell R. Thompson of Columbia City; Michael D. Thompson of Bluffton; two daughters: Linda C. Williams of Port Charlotte, FL; Lois Lahr of Fort Wayne; two brothers: Hollis C. Thompson of Marion; Donald E. Thompson of Lafayette, TN; 15 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Arnett F. Thompson, Bruce Thompson, Wayne Thompson, Landon Thompson and a grandson: Clint “Ray” Lahr.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Myers Funeral Home Markle Chapel, 415 N. Lee Street, Markle, Indiana.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 2:00 pm following visitation at the Myers Funeral Home Markle Chapel with Pastor Wally Morris officiating.
Interment will be at the Horeb Cemetery in Uniondale.
Memorial donations can be made out to Samaritan Fund at Christian Care or to Charity Baptist Church both in care of Myers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 403, Markle, IN 46770.