Kenneth W. Thompson, 84, of Belleville, IL, born Monday, November 22, 1937, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O Fallon, IL.
Kenny was a retired tow truck driver dedicating over 50 years with Johnston Towing, J & K, and Richland Towing. He came of out retirement for a few years to start Classic Towing in Swansea. Kenny served in the United States Army.
He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a car show enthusiast and enjoyed going to stock car races.
In recent years he enjoyed going to powwows and estate sales with his daughters and grandchildren. He had a fondness of old Westerns and science fiction movies and had a knack for telling the most wonderful and comical stories of his childhood. He was a very talented man who could sing and draw. Kenny had a special fondness of animals, especially dogs. He was proud of his Kaskaskia Indian and Scottish heritage.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife, Janet, nee Johnston, Thompson
- Daughter, Sherry Heuer
- Grandson, Daniel Thompson
- Parents, John and Eula, nee DeClue, Thompson
- Cousins:
- Bobby Bunch
- Charles Thompson
Surviving are his:
- Children:
- Candy (Paul) Buechler of Millstadt, IL
- Raymond (Yvonne) Thompson of Belleville, IL
- Penny (Kenny) Bollmeier of Marissa, IL
- Terry (Bryan) Zipfel of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Alyssa (Bob) Tiffany
- David (Kathryn) Buechler
- Samantha Bollmeier
- Brittney (John) Phelps
- Great grandchildren:
- Jakob Tiffany
- Nalani Phelps
- Brothers:
- John R. Thompson
- Jimmy Lee (Carolyn) Thompson of Smithton, IL
- Nephews:
- Brian (Shannon) Thompson
- Jamie Thompson
- Michael Thompson
- Cousins:
- Richard Bunch
- Delores Lawrence
- Other family and friends
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Indian College Fund or Belleville Area Humane Society.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, January 14, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville.
Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 pm, , January 14, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Dr. Joe Scheets officiating. Private family interment.
5 Comments To "Kenneth W. Thompson"
#1 Comment By Louise Schmidt On January 10, 2022 @ 5:56 pm
So sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man , will be missed by many. Lou
#2 Comment By Sherry Favre Salvatore On January 11, 2022 @ 9:09 am
Sending my sincere sympathy to Kenny’s family and friends. He was such a sweet man and could always make me laugh. I know how deeply he will be missed.
#3 Comment By Cindy and Rick Meister On January 11, 2022 @ 5:54 pm
So sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. Our sympathies to the Thompson family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
#4 Comment By RICHARD Meister On January 11, 2022 @ 7:42 pm
So sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing he was such a great guy had many of fun times with this man almost like a second father to me and other kids in the neighborhood. I only wish I would have visited him in later years God has gained a great man fly high Kenny till we meet again.
#5 Comment By Patty & Gary Diggs On January 21, 2022 @ 5:57 pm
Heard today about Kenny’s passing. So sorry to hear this news. We live around the corner and would see and talk with Kenny when walking the dogs. The dogs loved Kenny and the treats he would feed them. The dogs got to the point they knew to stop at his house and would pull us up the driveway or yard to get that treat. Being retired military we talked about Ken’s service days and compared notes. Also talked about some stories of him growing up and also happenings in the neighborhood. Kenny will be missed. Condolences to the family.