Arthur “Art” Ray Thompson

Arthur “Art” Ray Thompson, 92, of Collinsville, IL, born Friday, November 22, 1929, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022 at his residence.

Art was a proud United States Army Veteran serving as an MP in the Korean War. While there, he developed a fondness for the Korean Language and spoke his favorite phrases into his final days. After his time in the service, he worked for Armour & Co., Witte Hardware, and later retired from Washington University School of Dentistry. He was a member of Gothic Lodge #852 A.F. & A.M., Ainad Shrine, former Captain of the Arab Patrol unit, Roadrunners, and Southern Illinois Court #86 ROJ.

He enjoyed marching with the Patrol in local parades well into his 80’s. Art was the ultimate father, grandfather, and husband; cherishing his family get togethers and the memories made.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents, Bert Melvin and Christina Elizabeth, nee Amann, Thompson
• Brothers:
  • Harold Thompson
  • Alvin Thompson
  • Leo Thompson
  • Louis Thompson
  • Melvin Thompson
  • Everett Thompson
  • Glenn Thompson
  • Floyd Thompson
• Sisters:
  • Evelyn Embrey
  • Bertha Burnett
  • Lillian Thompson

Surviving are his:

• Wife, Patricia “Pat” Thompson of Collinsville, IL
• Son, Tommy Ray (Theresa) Thompson of Pocahontas, IL
• Sister-in-law, Josephine Thompson of O’Fallon, IL
• 2 Grandchildren:
  • Mary Amanda (Mark) Gan
  • Mary Cecilia (Anton III) Flieg
• 6 Great-grandchildren:
  • Melisa Dizdarevic (Mevludin Emini)
  • Marijo Gan
  • Mark Gan
  • Molly Gan
  • Anton Fleig, IV
  • Tessa Flieg
• Great-great-grandchild, Kenan Emini
• Many dear nieces and nephews

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.

Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. A Jester walkthrough will take place at 6:43 pm, followed by an Arab Patrol walkthrough, followed by a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm.

Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.