Robert I. Thompson, 83, B&O Railroad Retiree
Robert I. Thompson, Sr. 83, of Sheffield Township, died Saturday, July 26, 2003 at Community Health Partners Hospital in Lorain after a brief illness. He was born March 30, 1920 in Lorain and had been lifelong Lorain, Sheffield Township resident.
Mr. Thompson attended Lorain High School. He served with the US Army during World War II as a Technician 5th Grade in Company C 748th Railway Operation Battalion in India, Burma and the Asiatic-Pacific. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with a Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal.
Mr. Thompson worked at the B&O Railroad as a Brakeman, Conductor and Yard Man for 38 years, retiring in 1980.
He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, a life member of VFW Post #451, a life member of AMVETS Post #47, a member and past president of Saxon Club Br#5, member of the American Slovak Club and United Polish Club, all of Lorain. He was a member of the Railroad Retirees and he enjoyed playing cards and traveling. In August he would have received an honorary high school diploma from the VFW.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Katherine (nee Schneider), daughter Lynette Rae Trostle of Pensacola, Florida, stepdaughters Elaine Johnson of Elyria, Karen Cassidy of Lorain, and Nancy Kranstuber of Madison, stepson Jerry Strickler of Elyria, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, brothers Oscar Thompson of Palm Springs, California and Edward Thompson of Hesperia, California. He was preceded in death by his son Robert I. Thompson Jr., in 1993, parents Oscar and Marie (nee Lockhart) Thompson and brothers Donald Thompson and Vernon C. Thompson.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 28, 2003 from 4-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor of St. John United Church of Christ in Lorain and the Rev. Heidi Strickler, associate pastor of Harbourtown Community Church in Vermilion, will co-officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain with military honors by the VFW Post #451.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. John United Church of Christ, 715 Reid Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052.