Ralph Wesley Thompson

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Family Man -

Ralph Wesley Thompson, age 90, of Mechanicsburg , died at Messiah Lifeways, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, June 22, 2014.  Ralph was born on Friday, January 11, 1924 in Waukegan, IL to the late Davis Wesley Thompson and Agnes (Loomis) Thompson.  Ralph was the husband of Betty Jane (MacDonald) Thompson whom he married on August 4, 1945.  In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his brothers, Rex L. Thompson and John H. Thompson.

Ralph’s survivors include his wife, Betty, of nearly 69 years; his children: David W. Thompson and his wife, Joyce, of Waynesboro, Edward J. Thompson and his wife, Nancy, of Clarks Summit; his grandchildren: Brian A. Thompson of State College, Michael A. Smiley of Waynesboro, Michele A. Sims of Waynesboro; his great-grandchildren: Mark Watson, Lindsey Main, James Gladhill, Joshua Sims, Makayla Smiley, Nicholas Sims; and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph graduated from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, IL as part of the class of 1942, where his father was the superintendent.  He was a U.S. Army Air Force WWII Veteran. Ralph was a flight instructor, one of the youngest in his field; and he flew many planes, including the B-17, during his service time. He retired from Follett Corporation in Chicago, IL in 1989.  Ralph was a charter member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 109 in Mechanicsburg.  Ralph was an avid golfer and reader, and he loved to play cards. He was a sweet man who loved his family. When Ralph came home from work on a Friday, he devoted all of his time to his family until having to return to work on the following Monday.

All are welcome to join Ralph’s family at visitation on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church , 130 Nittany Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Naomi Sease Carriker officiating.  Ralph’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the memorial service.  Cremation and entombment of his urn in Rolling Green Memorial Park will be private and at the family’s convenience.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Peter Lutheran Church , 130 Nittany Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or American Cancer Society , Capital Area Unit, 2 Lemoyne Drive, Suite 101, Lemoyne, PA 17043.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at Andrews & Patel Associates and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, and everyone at Messiah Lifeways who so lovingly cared for Ralph during his illness.

Ralph’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ralph’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .