May 17, 1925 €“ Feb. 23, 2009
Ivan Thompson, 83, of Sweet Home died Feb. 23, 2009.
He was born May 17, 1925 in Siam (near New Market), Iowa.
He was drafted into military service at the age of 18. He had a very distinguished and honorable military career. He fought in several battles including the Battle of the Bulge and the Omaha Beach Landing.
He served in France, Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium, receiving medals in the European, African and Mid Eastern countries. He was a member of the 5th division of the 11th regiment (nicknamed “The Red Devils”), which freed Luxembourg in World War II.
He married Ruby Smith on Aug. 13, 1946 in Hiawatha, Kan. He moved to Oregon in 1946 to get into the timber industry. He was a self-taught cat skinner for 50-plus years.
The Thompsons settled in Holley for a while and then moved to Siletz for a few years before moving back to Sweet Home 54 years ago.
Ruby Thompson died of cancer in 2000. Mr. Thompson married his present wife Edith seven years ago.
He served many years as a deacon and elder in his church and was involved with the Turner Convention. He also enjoyed bowling and TOPS.
Mr. Turn-er is survived by his wife Edith of Sweet Home; daughter Colleen A. Maynard of Sweet Home; sons Ivan “Del” Thompson of Sweet Home, Ronald A. Thompson of Reedsport and Richard C. Miller of Diamond Bar, Calif .; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50-plus years, Ruby; three brothers and one sister.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at 18th and Long Church of Christ.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. http://www.sweethomefuneral.com