Ernie D. Thompson

Ernie D. Thompson, age 75, resident of Oak Park, passed away Feb. 7, 2016. Beloved husband of Loisjean Komai Thompson; loving father of Diahanna (Lionel) Thompson-Miller, Kenneth (Fabiola) Thompson and Kwaben Komai; proud grandpa of Latoya Alexander, Velvet Miller, Lionel Miller, Jr., Courtneigh Miller and Christian Miller; Noah and Nile Thompson and Kali and Kojo Komai; great-grandpa of Lionel Miller III and Kimora Lipsey. He will also be greatly missed by lifelong friends Albert Jefferson and Arthur Hyrams. Mr. Thompson was a founding member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Phi Chapter at Northern Illinois University, where he graduated in 1963. He went on to earn two masters degrees, one from University of Illinois and one from Roosevelt University. Mr. Thompson was a longtime teacher and coach, having taught at Dunbar Vocational, Bloom Township and Steinmetz High Schools, as well as, Wilbur Wright College as an adjunct professor. He was a respected coach of football, baseball, track and particularly wrestling. He was a member of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Ernie served as a mentor to thousands of students and student athletes over the years. Mr. Thompson was an Elder and member of Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church. He was a 13 year board member of the West Cook YMCA, as well as, a regular volunteer there. He was a family man and was esteemed by his family and friends for his cooking, but especially his smoked turkey. He also managed to find time to golf, design and create stained glass art, and play racquetball. Visitation Friday February 12th, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Rd., Forest Park 60130. Family and friends will meet Saturday February 13th, for an 11 a.m. Memorial Service at Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E 35th St Chicago, IL 60616. Cremation rites and inurnment will take place privately at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials to the Sixth Grace Presbyterian Endowment Fund are appreciated. Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.woodlawnchicago.com

Info: 708-442-8500