William J. Thompson Obituary (1941 - 2019)

William J. Thompson, 78 of Palmer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 10:19 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019, in his sisters home in Decatur. He was born on January 11, 1941 in Peoria, Illinois, the son of William and Marcella (Manion) Thompson. He graduated from Taylorville High School and went on to serve his country proudly as a United States Marine for four years. On February 18, 1967 in Shawnee Town, Illinois, Mr. Thompson married Geraldine Huffines, and they shared just shy of 52 happy years of marriage together before her death on September 5, 2018. Mr. Thompson worked very hard in maintenance and as a millwright for Continental Grain, never missing a days work and always providing for his family. He was devoted to his wife, their children, and their grandchildren, and he loved them all. Family was truly the most important thing to him, and he never complained a day in his life, even up until the very end. He had a quiet, selfless heart and he will be deeply missed. Mr. Thompson is survived by his children: Kathy (Shawn) McQuire of Moweaqua; Kyle Miller of Brownstown, Rhonda (Donnie) Martin of Taylorville, and Susan (Robert) Taylor of Morrisonville; grandchildren: Carissa McQuire, Veronica McQuire, Ashley (Chris) Snow, Amanda McQuire, Maria (Paul) Parkin, Kenny Martin, Jakob McQuire, Kinley Miller; eight great grandchildren: Talan, Cameron, Hayden, Liam, Avalynn, Reese, Grayson, Myles. He is also survived by two sisters: Catherine Graham of Decatur and Carol Evans of Georgia, whom his family would like to extend a very special thank you to, for having opened up their hearts and Catherines home for his comfort during his final days. His two sisters and all of his family treated him like a king to the end, and that kindness and care is immeasurable. In addition to his loving wife, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his parents, his step-dad: Earl Durbin, and sisters: Diane Thompson and Dorothy Daykin. In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Thompson will be cremated and a private family service where Military Honors will take place, and he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in Edinburg Cemetery.