04/09/2007

Notification of Death - Eugene "Gene" Burdette Thompson

April 4, 2007

OFDA received word this morning that member Eugene "Gene" Burdette Thompson, 95, died early Wednesday morning, April 4, 2007.

After high school, Gene attended The Ohio State University from 1931-1933, where he majored in dentistry. At the end of his two years at The Ohio State University, Gene decided to change his career and enrolled in the Hohenschau-Carpenter School of Embalming in St. Louis, Mo. and graduated in 1934. After passing his Ohio boards, he served his apprenticeship with the H.R. Berkinkamp Funeral Home in Toledo, Ohio. It was while he was serving his apprenticeship in Toledo that he met Edla May Beddoes who he married Nov. 6, 1937, at Toledo. Edla preceded Gene in death on Aug. 30, 2005.

Gene and Edla moved back to Montpelier and established their first funeral home and ambulance service on Main Street on Sept. 17, 1937. Then in 1942, the Thompson's purchased their second funeral home in Pioneer. Gene eventually retired as the owner and operator of The Thompson Funeral Home & Ambulance Service of Montpelier and Pioneer in 1977.

Family was always important to Gene. He is survived by his two children: Mary Ellen Figgins of Powell, Ohio, and James (Janice) Thompson of Montpelier, was a proud grandfather to Brad (Wendy), Rob, Nathan (Tashia), and Seth (April) and seven precious great-grandchildren. Gene was a special man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a brother, Jack Everett Thompson.

Interment is in the Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital or the Williams County Conservation League.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the Thompson Funeral Home, 204 East Main Street, Montpelier, Ohio 43543.