Mark Douglas Thompson Sr.

Mark was born January 20, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Nina B. Dorchinez (Des Voignes). On October 2, 1971, he married the love of his life, Donna D. Tasky. Together they shared more than five decades of marriage and built a life centered on family, hard work, and the simple joys of everyday life.

Mark proudly volunteered for the United States Army and served from 1969 to 1971 as a tracked vehicle crewman during the Vietnam War. During his service he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After returning home, Mark built a long career at Komatsu, where he worked for many years as a union welder and later as an inspector. During his time there, he also served as a union steward before retiring from Komatsu. Mark and his friend Devin also operated a landscape curb business together for several years. When he wasn’t working, Mark enjoyed fishing and could often be found tinkering in his garage, always finding something to fix, build, or improve.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Thompson of Creve Coeur; his children, Billie Jo (Aaron) Poynter of Florida, Mark (Caryle) Thompson of Washington and Alicia (Joshua) Stringer of Pekin; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings: Danny (Mary) Thompson of Princeton, Illinois; Beth Carter of Benton, Illinois; Mike (Julie) Garrett of Benton, Illinois; Toni Dorchinez of Benton, Illinois; Angelique (Fred) Trelli of Fort Myers, Florida; Jay Thompson of California; and B.J. (Ellie) Dorchinez of Fort Myers, Florida.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Nina B. Dorchinez, and his sister, Sue Easley.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the OSF medical teams who cared for Mark in his final weeks. Your compassion and dedication allowed our family the time and space to love and support Mark in ways that would not have been possible without you.

Per Mark’s wishes, he will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted with Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.org/ in honor of Mark's service to our country.