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Martin Thompson Obituary
Martin Lee Thompson, 91, of Slippery Rock passed away at 1 a.m. Tuesday at the Grove City Medical Center.
Born in Timblin, Jefferson County, on Jan. 18, 1921, he was the son of James Thompson and Nellie Reed.
He married Delores Jane Raught on Jan. 23, 1942.
He got his bachelor's degree from Clarion State College, now Clarion University, and two master's degrees. The first was from Penn State University and then his second, in library science, was from the University of Pittsburgh. He was listed in Who's Who in American Education. At Slippery Rock University, he was emeritus professor of library science, oversaw the Bailey Library for a time and had been involved in curriculum and instruction.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served as a gunnery instructor.
His interests included taking care of his family, serving others, hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Delores J. Thompson of Slippery Rock; four sons, Donald M. Thompson of Johnstown, Dennis L. Thompson (Lisa) of Kennerdell, Robert R. Thompson (Rhonda) of Slippery Rock and Alan Dean Thompson of Cheyenne, Wy.; one sister, Naoma Reiter (James) of Wilcox, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Jesse Thompson, Johannah Thompson, Travis Thompson, Heather Harmon, Brian Thompson, Denna Hayes, Joshua Thompson and Amber Thompson; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Thompson; and one sister, Dolly Kovach.
THOMPSON - Visitation for Martin Lee Thompson, who died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.
Services will follow visitation at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. James Lewis, pastor of West Liberty United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Slippery Rock Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Thompson
December 6, 2012
God bless you all and may your hearts be lighter knowing your father, friend, colleague, mentor, husband has gone to a greater calling and we will all see him again when God calls us home. Peace be with you.
Jennifer Mayer
December 6, 2012
Our sympathies on your loss. Our hearts are with you, Amber and Josh, and your mom.
Alan Thompson
December 6, 2012
On behalf of my family, I wish to thank you all for the kind comments regarding my Father. He was the greatest man I've known, and it is wonderful to hear about the lives he touched outside of our home. He was as kind a man inside the home as he was to his friends and coworkers. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. God bless you this holiday season.
Gary Winger
December 1, 2012
I was preparing to send Mr. Thompson a letter when I learned that God opened "The Gates" to welcome him. I just finished looking at my Slippery Rock memory book which included two letters Mr. Thompson sent to me in the 1970's. He was my advisor when I returned to Slippery Rock State College, which it was called at that time, as a Viet Nam era veteran not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. Upon receiving some sound advice from Mark Shiring,a faculty member at Slippery Rock, I visited Mr. Thompson for more outstanding advice and I proceeded to follow the library science program. I will always be grateful that this gentleman was an important part of my academic life at Slippery Rock. After serving for 34 years in libraries all over the country, I tried to always lead by setting a good example. That's what Mr. Thompson did.
The last time I saw him he was passing through Punxsutawney,where I now reside once again, in 1980. I couldn't believe it when I saw him at Ruth and Harry's Restaurant. He took time to talk to me and my wife in a very gracious manner,--his manner.
I will always remember him and how he influenced my life.
My sincere sympathy to his family. May God Bless all of you.
Gary and Sandy Winger
Larry Upton
November 27, 2012
I had the pleasure of serving with Martin as fellow Department Chairpersons: he of the Library Science Department; and me, Chair of the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology. During our time together he was a joy-- always calm, kind, thoughtful, helpful, and a very special colleague! He was well educated and competent,and will be long remembered for the marvelous "gentleman" that he was. He was a huge asset to SRU and will be missed by his longtime colleagues. I I send my condolences to his family. Sincerely Lary Upton
David and Wanda Faith
November 25, 2012
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you in your loss. May you find peace in your memories.
linda wolfe
November 24, 2012
When I was a young girl and married to an air force private during Viet Nam, this kind professor arranged for me to do my student teaching in DC so I could live with my husband. I was always grateful.He was a good man. So sorry for your loss.
The Parenti Family
November 24, 2012
To the Thompson Family,
You have our heartfelt sympathy. Your father was a wonderful person who was very well thought of.
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