Lester John Thompson

Lester John Thompson, Sr., 80, of Ellicott City, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2017, after a long, brave and inspiring battle with non-small cell lung cancer. He died at home with his wife and six children at his bedside.

He entered this world on July 19, 1937, in Washington, D.C., born to the late Clifton Pearly Thompson and Eleanor Elizabeth Thompson (Myers).

For anyone who knew him he was full of energy, generous and kind-hearted. He loved and adored his wife, Ann of 56 years, his 6 children, 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, numerous friends he made during his lifetime, and he will always hold a special place in his heart to his oncology friends at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

He was known for his love of golf, bowling, gardening and his beloved football team the Redskins. He was also an historic car enthusiast. Most of all, he loved his vast train collection and spent numerous hours designing an expansive and impressive train garden which included villages, bridges, waterways, and miniature version of Disney World.

He loved getting out into the world and simply enjoyed life, whether it was gardening or shopping; venturing through every store in the mall to find the best deals; going out to eat; spending time on the seashore; or enjoying time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

Survivors include: his loving wife Elizabeth Ann Thompson; his children: Deborah Warner and her husband Tommy; Sharon Maltagliati and her husband Jerry; Lester Thompson, Jr., and his wife Dorothea; Robin Walls and her husband Jimmy; Diane Thompson; and Michelle Thompson; 11 grandchildren: Justin, Nicholas, and Ryan; Crystal, Amber, and Austin; Shane and Brendan; Cole; Chase and Morgan; four great grandchildren: Michaela, Skylar, Arianna, and MaKenzie. He is also survived by his very special brother-in-law, Cecil Berry.

His sisters Sylvia Coffman and Helen Berry; two brothers, Merrill Thompson and Clifton Thompson (Lester’s twin), and his step-father: Roland Zimmerman preceded him in death.

Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Lester's life by gathering at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc., 7250 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075 (exit 6 off Rt. 100 south) on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 4801 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043 at 1:00 pm. Interment Meadowridge Memorial Park, Elkridge, MD. If desired, memorial contributions may be sent to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, in memory of Lester.