Arthur "Merv" M. Thompson

God's heavenly train pulled in to Heritage Health in Bloomington at 3:45 p.m. Sunday (March 29 2015) to pick up a very special passenger. Arthur "Merv" Thompson was packed and ready to go as he had been patiently waiting for the train to arrive. He boarded quickly and settled in for his promotional ride to glory. Merv had been eagerly awaiting the reunion with the love of his life Peggy L. Thompson who left for glory on Jan. 29, 2015.

Merv was born Dec. 18, 1933, to Herm and Lorene Thompson. Lorene passed away in November 1934. Herm married Pansy M. Page in 1938, and she was a most amazing mother to Merv until her death in 1998. Merv attended and graduated from Beason High School where he was actively involved in sports, especially baseball. He also served his country during the Korean War as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Merv married Peggy Letterle on June 20, 1959, in Lincoln.

Merv was a railroad engineer for the Illinois Central Gulf railroad for more than 45 years and enjoyed working with his dad and nephew who also worked for the IC. Merv had a very generous spirit and enjoyed helping others. He enjoyed reading, especially books about military history. He also enjoyed telling stories about baseball, Beason and the railroad. He was an incredibly devoted and loving husband, dad, Pop, Giggie, uncle, father-in-law and friend. Merv touched numerous lives with his kind and giving nature and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He loved unconditionally.

He is survived by his three daughters, Lori "Toni" Thompson, Des Moines Iowa; Amy (David) Donaldson, Bloomington; and Julee Thompson, Bloomington; "number four daughter," Crystal (Larry Bright) Thompson, Clinton; granddaughter, Kara Cosand, Bloomington; great-granddaughter, Layani Crumpler, and her dad, Mike Crumpler, Bloomington; nieces, Pat (Bill) West, Tremont, and Rita Anderson, Normal; and nephews, Mike (Sue Shinneman) Arnold, Hallsville; Darwin (Frannie) Thompson, Clinton; and Gail (Ari) Letterle, Lafayette, La.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Thompson; parents, Herm, Lorene and Pansy Thompson; brother and best friend, Darwin Thompson Sr.; sister, Catherine Arnold; brother-in-law, Olin Arnold; and longtime friends, Ellsworth Brown and Joe Butler.

We his family would like to thank BroMenn Hospice for their continued support. We also send out heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the entire staff of Heritage Health of Bloomington for their overwhelming compassion and excellent care. Finally we wish to thank Dr. Peter Abadeer and his nurse, Cindy Saylors, for their unending concern, vigilant care and unwavering support. It will never be forgotten.

A joint memorial celebration of life for Merv and Peggy will be at 1 p.m. April 18 at Clinton Assembly of God Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to Faith Fellowship Center, Heyworth, or Heritage Health, Bloomington.