Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson

Age 59 of Braidwood, formerly of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at his home with his family by his side.

Born January 23, 1961 in Joliet, Tommy Joe was a son of Ollie “Lavern” and Lenna (nee Smith) Thompson. He was raised and educated in Wilmington, and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1979. On May 11, 1985, he married the love of his life, Donna Parrish, at Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington.

Tommy was a tool and die maker by trade and held employment at many places, including S&S Roofing, Lucenta Tire in Braidwood, Jemco Engineering in Wilmington and Minooka, and ITW Deltar Fuel Systems in Mokena. His hard working nature and meticulous attention to detail was a trademark of Tommy’s both professionally and personally. He was always highly organized and had a list for any project he worked on.

Tommy was a past member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Wilmington, and was a huge sports fan. He was an avid NASCAR supporter, especially of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and also supported the St. Louis Cardinals and Alabama College Football. Tommy enjoyed spending time outdoors camping and maintaining his yard. His yard was always perfectly maintained and loved mowing his lawn regularly to keep things looking great.  Tommy also took great pleasure in owning a Harley Davidson and going for long rides. His true love was being together with family at any party or special occasion. Above all else, his love for Donna was paramount and they were truly inseparable. Tommy was a special guy who lived life to the fullest every day of his 59 years, 4 months, and 25 days on this earth, and will be cherished by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Donna Thompson of Braidwood, two brothers and two sisters: Vickey (Jeff) Palmer of Wilton Center, Tim (Julie) Thompson of Braidwood, Tracey “Gert” Thompson of Wilmington, and Rhonda (Kevin) Murphy of Braidwood; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Sue Thompson of Wilmington, Don (Susie) Parrish of Wilmington, Richard (Jinnie) Parrish of Wilmington, Bonnie (Bill) Favero of Braidwood, Sandy Parrish of Diamond, Barb (Pat) Duffy of Braidwood, Bev (Mike) Duffy of Lowell, Indiana, Mike (Jan) Parrish of Channahon, Peggy (Jimmy) Cole of Braidwood, Linda (Doug) Mandat of Braidwood, and Lillie (Steve) Heitke of Braidwood; two aunts: Maude Bittle and Letha Barger, both of Greers Ferry, Arkansas; numerous beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews; dear friends: Mike (Kathy) Chancy of Jasper, Alabama, and Dedria (Alan) Galik of Braidwood; and his special four legged companion, Feebee.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Lavern and Lenna Thompson, and his brother, Ricky Thompson, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer and Berniece Parrish, and grandmother-in-law, Irene Howard; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: John Parrish and Lois (Ray) Martin; his nephew, Ryan Heitke, and his special canine companion, Bo.

Visitation and video tribute will be Friday, June 19, 2020 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Due to current pandemic guidelines, face masks will be required for attendees and measures of safe social distancing practices will be in order. Funeral home staff will assist the family not to exceed the safe number set forth for the visitation.

A private family funeral service will be Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Christian Life Assembly in Diamond. Those wishing to participate in the services remotely are welcome to log on to the live stream webcast available on Tommy’s Memorial Page, which will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Tommy’s memory to: MDA Muscle Walk of Chicago Land - Fight for Chance Fight for Chance, Joliet Area Community Hospice or Christian Life Assembly.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Tommy’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.