Robert Verlin Thompson, 73, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2020 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.
Visitation will be at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home Monday, January 13th from 4pm-7pm. Funeral Service will be Tuesday January 14th at 12pm with Tommy Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. There will be a dinner served immediately following at Knights of Columbus in Ottawa.
Robert was born May 2, 1946 in Cape Girardeau, MO, a son of Rudy and Ruie Thompson. Surviving are his wife Beverly(Wilson) Thompson; children Kim Neathery of Sarasota, FL, Amanda (Leslie) Rexroat and Mariana Thompson of Ottawa, IL; Grandchildren Liz (Steven) Kirkreit, Blake Neathery, and Larkyn Rexroat; Great Grandchildren Aiden and Kyla; Siblings Shirley Alexander of Kissimmee, FL, Frank (Glenda) Thompson of Seneca, IL, Thomas (Stephanie) of Naplate, IL, Richard (Diane) of Ottawa, IL, Glen (Susie) of Dayton, IL, Delores Henry of Peru, IL; lots of nieces and nephews and many more extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gene and Donald, children David and Dawn in infancy, and son Bobby in May 2019.
Robert fought a very long, courageous battle with liver disease, along with other health problems. Liver failure is a hard thing. There will always be memories of him healthy, cooking, telling jokes, chain smoking, and always being the mediator over our endless family drama. Anyone who knew him knew he was an avid shopper. He loved his grocery stores. He bought for everyone! He loved oldies music, fast cars, and poker machines but what he loved the most was his family.
In his earlier years, he served in the army in Germany, was a laborer, “repo man” and ran the Triple R Bar. He co-owned and operated the Brown Bag Video, Silver Slipper Saloon, and Big Boys Pawn for many years. There he was seen as a father figure to many of the employees. He was undeniably one of the best bosses anyone could ever hope to work for. People could talk to him about anything and valued his advice.
Robert truly had the biggest heart and would help anyone. Whether you were 5 or 55, he called you “kid,” “kiddo,” or “hazel” and we will forever miss that! He was the glue that held the family together. Our family circle has been broken but will be mended by all the wonderful memories he has left us and guidance instilled in us. He did so many unspoken acts of kindness over the years that he definitely earned his angel wings. He was someone to everyone! He will be truly missed by everyone and forever in our hearts.
He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.