Richard Irving Thompson

Richard Irving Thompson, age 85, of Gladstone, passed away Monday morning, January 31, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on June 4, 1936 in Escanaba, the son of Irving and Louise (Willette) Thompson. Richard attended school in Escanaba and in the early 1940s moved to Adrian, MI. At the young age of 17, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Shortly after enlisting, he married the former Esther Parkin on June 27, 1957 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Utica, MI. With Richard serving in the military for 20 years, the couple raised their family in many various places including Jacksonville, FL, North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Arizona, and California. During this time, he also served three tours in Vietnam in 1965, 1969, and 1970. Richard retired in 1973 and the family relocated to Gladstone, MI. He worked for TD Vinette as a welder and went on to work at Harnischfeger Corporation from 1974 until 1982 as a welder. After retirement, Richard enjoyed teaching welding classes at Bay College in Escanaba. Richard was a proud member of the Marine Corps League and the American Legion in California. He also was a member of the U.P. Ham Radio Club, U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association, and All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Richard was very active and volunteered his time as a Boy Scout Leader for several years and was a member of The Order of the Arrow.

Richard is survived by children, Justine Thompson of Brampton, Patricia Hurschik of St. Clair Shores, MI, and Scott (Nora) Thompson of Gladstone; 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Harriette Bailey of Lower Michigan and Toni Jasso of Lower Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Thompson on March 23, 2018; daughter, Carol Domingus; and son, Richard Thompson II.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be conducted at 2:45 p.m., Sunday, in the Anderson Funeral Home by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. Funeral services celebrating the life of Richard will follow with Father James Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the  Anderson Funeral Home Reception Room. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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