Donald Thompson

1945 - 2025

Thompson, Donald R.

Dr. Donald R. Thompson, 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 13, 2025. He was born in Springfield, OH on December 30, 1945. He is survived by his loving wife Charlotte, his devoted brother James (Jim) and Carolyn Thompson (of Springfield, OH), his son Jeff (of St. Charles, IL) and grandkids Emily and Paden, his daughter Jennifer (Nicki) and Eric Maxon (of Anchorage, AK) and grandkids Camryn and Spencer, and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Don cared about people. His kids and grandkids were his pride and joy. His staff and colleagues were a source of fun, banter, practical jokes, hard work, and accomplishment. His overarching commitment to the well-being of children and their families drove his desire for excellence in education. In high school and college, Don excelled as an athlete. He loved golf, Ohio State football, Fox News, and Italian food. Don treasured Charlotte, his faithful wife, friend, and compassionate caregiver. But best of all, she led him to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

After graduating from Springfield South High School, Don received his graduate degree from Wittenberg University (B.S.), Wright State University (M.Ed.), and Bowling Green State University (Ph.D.). He served as Superintendent of Schools in the following districts: Newton Local Schools, Pleasant Hill, OH; Mariemont City Schools, Mariemont, OH; Montgomery County Educational Service Center, Dayton, OH; and as Interim Superintendent of the Springfield City Schools.

Don served as president of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators for the State of Ohio. He then served nationally as the president of the American Association of School Administrators. He received numerous awards and held teaching roles at Bowling Green State University and Miami University, Oxford, OH.

Don was the executive director of the Dayton - Montgomery County Scholarship Program and a Montgomery County Family and Children First Council member. He was an educational consultant to state and federal government decision-makers during his career.

He was actively involved at the First Baptist Church in Palmetto, FL. Don's favorite Bible verse was John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church Palmetto, FL. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. A live stream will be available at "Special Services," https://www.fbcpalmetto.com/livestream/. A Springfield, OH, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Littleton & Rue Funeral Home at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Hospice, Sarasota, FL, https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/. Tidewell Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail,

Sarasota, FL 34239, phone 941-552-7546.