Lester Thompson

Lester Vernon Thompson, 69, of Mansfield, died Saturday, July 30, 2005, at his home after an extended illness. Born June 23, 1936, in Morehead, Kentucky, he was the son of Estill and Anna Mary Burton Thompson. Lester retired after 39 ½ years of service at AK Steel/Empire Detroit. He was a member of Dean Road Baptist Church and loved playing the banjo and listening to bluegrass music.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty Lou Shields Thompson; four children, Junior Ray 'Butch' Valerie Thompson, Debra Lynn Ron Robinson, Brenda Kay Jim Stoots, David Micheal 'Mike' Sara Thompson, all of Mansfield; thirteen grandchildren, Anna Marie Robinson and 'Little Ronnie' Robinson, both of Alaska, Cheryl Lynn Robinson of Las Vegas, Timothy Joseph Thompson of Kentucky, Jonathon Ray Thompson and Kenneth Eugene Thompson, both of West Milton, Karrie Ann 'Wuggs' Whitmore, Kelly Nicole Stoots, Latisha Elliott, Latosha Elliott and Amber Elliott, all of Mansfield, Bobby Jo Pagani of Columbus, and Ricky Vernon Pagani of Centerburg; five great-grandchildren, Brittany Michelle 'Goose' Whitmore, Garret Alan 'Chubs' Whitmore and Anthony Collin 'Spuds' Elliott, all of Mansfield, David and Jacob Landis, both of Alaska; sister, Betty Jo Butler of Kentucky; four brothers, Don, Ronnie, Gene and Darrell Thompson, all of Kentucky; aunt, Lossie Starks of Shelby; two special nieces, Joyce Gulley of Kentucky and Penny Lynn Hunt of Mansfield; son-in-law, Bob Pagani of Centerburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his precious baby girl, Patricia Ann Pagani in March 2004; his parents; paternal grandparents, Ed and Mary Thompson; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Polly Burton; two brothers, Ralph and Vaughn Thompson; and a special little boy, Mark Shane Black.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2005. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Revs. Virgil Masters and Clifford Earl Tackett. Burial will follow in Springmill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio.