Russell Warren Thompson

R. Warren Thompson, age 93, of Indianapolis, formerly of Evansville, passed away on January 21, 2014, at 6:35 am at Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis after having survived longer than any other member of his family. Warren was born on September 22, 1920, in rural Owensville, IN, to the late Arville and Blanche (Pollard) Thompson.

He attended Owensville High School for three years before graduating from Ft. Branch High School in 1940. He delivered ice, then worked as a chauffeur, then worked in an orchard, and then worked at Emge Packing Co. until joining the US Merchant Marines in 1944. Warren married Mary A. (McReynolds) Thompson on May 24, 1941. Warren then served in the Pacific Theater in World War II until January 1946. He continued working at Emge’s until joining International Harvester when the plant was converted from the wartime Republic operation. He then began farming fulltime in 1955, first raising poultry, then hogs, retiring in 1984 due to health reasons.

Warren worked in the State Highway Department for five years. He was a long-time member of New Liberty Christian Church and served as treasurer, deacon, and trustee for many years. Warren was a charter member of the Gibson County Gideon Camp. He joined the Fort Branch Masonic Lodge in January 1945. In addition, he worked with the Republican Party in the Vanderburgh County Election Office for over seven years.

Surviving are his sister, Janice Woolston of Paoli, IN; sons, Larry L. Thompson (Judy) and David W. Thompson (Sandra); daughters, Janet S. Davis (David) and Ruth Ann Phillips (Raymond); eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, his wife of 71 years, Mary Aileen Thompson, and his brother, Norman G. Thompson, preceded him in death.

Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at New Liberty Church on Highway 68 west of Haubstadt, officiated by Rev. Gordon Jones, with burial in Liberty Cemetery in Cynthiana, IN. Friends may visit Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.