Harold "Sam" Thompson

Harold "Sam" Thompson, 81, of Springfield, died on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Villa Healthcare East in Sherman. Sam was born July 9, 1933 in Quincy, the son of Merle E. and Ruth A. Leeper Thompson. He married Barbara Ann Sprehe on February 8, 1958; she preceded him in death on August 10, 2013. Sam graduated from West Pike High School in 1951 and the University of Missouri at Rolla, MO in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1965 and served in the Army Reserve from 1965 to 1968. He achieved the rank of Captain during his time of service. He was employed from 1955 to 1967 by Illinois Power and from 1967 until his retirement in 1994 by Central Illinois Public Service Company. He was a registered Professional Engineer and was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Sam enjoyed reading, duck hunting, and fishing, especially in Canada and Arkansas. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bulls fan. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Robin L. (husband, Marty) Michelson of Sherman and Eric (wife, Olga) Thompson of San Antonio, TX; and grandchildren, Gretchen (husband, Drew) Carlson of Frederick, MD, Jay Michelson of Lincoln, NE, and Bernardo and Victoria Thompson, both of San Antonio, TX. Private family burial will be held at Kinderhook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL 62704 or Rutledge Youth Foundation, 931 N. Rutledge St., Springfield, IL 62702.