Eugene Thompson

1936 - 2026

The Lord called Eugene Thompson home on March 2, 2026; he was 89 years old. Born on August 17, 1936, on his grandparents' farm in Randolph County, Indiana, to Nolan C. and S. Pearl (Eads) Thompson; he grew up in Winchester, Indiana and graduated from Winchester High School in June 1954. Upon his 18th birthday, he joined the United States Air Force taking his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. From there, he was assigned to Smokey Hill/Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas which was a part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Gene also received extensive training at Lawry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado on the Norton Bomb Site. While in the Air Force, he learned to become a pilot through the air club on base. After his discharge in 1958, Gene obtained all of the certification needed to become a flight instructor out of Terry Airport.

His military training led him to a 32-year career at Naval Avionics until his retirement from there in 1992. His love for repairing and remodeling and need to stay busy inspired him to spend 20 years working for an apartment complex. Gene also spent 40 years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a "yellow shirt" in the North 40; he retired from there as a supervisor in 2002.

Gene also loved motorcycle riding and water sports, including boating and skiing.

In 1994 he met Charlene Loveland while dancing and they were married on September 2, 1994.

Gene is survived by his wife of 31 years; son, Shane Thompson; daughters, Tamara (George) Badger, Clarissa (Evan) Tester, Sheila Loveland-Miller, and Heather (Shawn) Loveland-Wynn; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood. A Celebration of Life is to be held at Southport Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis on Wednesday, April 8 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm with a memorial service starting at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Southport Presbyterian Church, 7525 McFarland Blvd., Indpls., IN 46237; the Wounded Warrior Project, Donor Care Center, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, KS; or Indy Humane, 7929 N. Michigan Road, Indpls. IN 46268.

Final care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.