John Michael Thompson joined the love of his life, Susan Kaye Thompson, in Heaven on December 4, 2018. He was born in Liberty, TX on June 23, 1945 as the second son of Donald "Don" Lee Thompson, Sr. & Merry Marie Thompson. The family traveled around South Texas while Don worked in the oil fields after WWII, but John spent much of his teen years in Winnie, TX, where he developed a love for agriculture, food, and people. He joined the Navy at 17 years old and was sent first to Cuba and then to Nantucket, MA, where he swears he met the prettiest girl on the island. Instantly smitten and doggedly determined, John ultimately won over Susan's protective Navy Chief father, stole her away from her deployed boyfriend, and soon married her after she proposed to him. They married on December 19, 1964 in Nantucket. God put those two together in 1964, and for the next 54 years, they lived a great and beautiful love story. Despite Susan's deafness, John saw a girl who could do and be anything. He taught her to read, count money, tell time, speak, and lip-read when others before him said it wasn't possible. He never doubted that it was possible. Exactly three months after Susan's death on September 4th of this year, God put John and Susan back together again.

During their marriage, John & Susan traveled the country going to Guam, Oregon, South Dakota, and Texas and went on to have five children: Kathy Poynor, Tammy Smith, Terri Cobb, Susan Oney, and Michael Thompson. They considered their sons-in-law (Paul Poynor, David Smith, Michael Cobb, & Floyd Oney) and daughter-in-law (Michelle Thompson) to also be their children. John and Susan taught all their children that love was not easy and required work, but that family was more important than anything else in this world. John was the sole provider for his family, often having to leave his wife and children in order to travel or working long hours each week to make ends meet, but he made it clear to all that Susan was to be respected, loved, and valued, just as he respected, loved and valued her. John also doted on his nine grandchildren: Meghan Poynor, Jordan Smith, Sydney & Sloan Cobb, Blaine & Liam Oney, and Roman, Bentley, and Kiley Thompson. He was Grandpa, Papa T, and Papaw, and he often needed his "love sponge" refilled with hugs and kisses from his babies.

John's capacity for love and caring knew no end, as he often took in friends of his children, counseled them and loved them as a father, and proved to be a role model that many didn't have in their lives. Depending on the kid, he may have also been known as Big John, Mr. T, Papa John, or Scary Dad. All of his children knew that Daddy was the non-judgmental confidant (who sometimes heard more than he wanted to hear!) who also lovingly advised and wisely counseled. As he aged, John also became the family story teller who never tired of sharing his escapades or those of his children, often to the exasperation of his wife! His mischievous grin, silly antics, sage advice, and huge heart will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

John's visitation will be at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, TX from 5-7pm on Friday, December 7, 2018 with the rosary beginning at 6:30. Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 8, 2018, 10am at Downs Funeral Home with the graveside service to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. A reception for family & friends will be at St. Joseph Parish Hall immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Knights of Columbus Counsel 1422.