John E. Thompson

John E. Thompson, passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on June 22, 1938, John was raised on the Thompson family farm on Bethlehem Academy Road in Cecilia, Kentucky. He grew up in Hardin County and graduated from Howevalley High School before moving to Louisville in 1956, where he worked at Brown & Williamson. He went on to work as a security officer at Jefferson Mall and a seasonal worker at Churchill Downs.

John is survived by his beloved companion of 36 years, Rita Nickle. He leaves behind a loving family, including his bonus son, Grant Nickle and wife Stacy, and daughter, Loretta Roden. His siblings, Kenneth Thompson, Anna Marie Thomas, Mary Clara Cobb, and Ruby Cecil with husband Elroy, also mourn his passing. He was a proud grandfather to Tara Love, Gary Allen Love with wife Kim, Shawn Love, April Snider, Natalie Boley with husband Miller, Melissa Roden, and Larkin Nickle. His legacy extends to 14 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Julia Thompson, as well as his daughter, Donna Mills. He was also predeceased by his brothers, FJ Thompson, Charles Thompson, and Walter Thompson, and his sisters, Helen Hart and Janie Dotson.

A devout Catholic and member of St. Louis Bertram Church of Louisville, John was a selfless family man, known for being the rock of his family. He cherished his close relationships with his siblings and had a deep love for UK basketball.

John's faithful and loving spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 17,2025 from 3 P.M. until 7 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Catholic Church on Thursday, December 18,2025 at 11 AM.