Francis Charles Thomson
Francis Charles Thomson
Obituary
Guest Book
Francis Thomson Obituary
Francis Charles Thomson, 85, died peacefully at home after a long illness. Born at home in West Chester, PA, he attended school at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, then immediately joined the Marines in 1956.
His first career after the military was as a machinist and supervisor at JM Schmidt Precision Tool Co, while also working as a night manager at Bevan’s Cold Cuts, where he enjoyed working with his daughters Brenda and Patty. Following his retirement at Precision Tool, he worked for the PA Liquor Control Board.
Fran lived a life rich in service to others. While his daughters were in school, he was an active member of West Chester East Band Boosters, chaperoning many band trips. He was a board member of LAPS (Large Animal Protection Society) for 10 years, volunteering alongside his sister, Charlotte, rescuing horses and other large animals. Fran always had horses, and he enjoyed attending steeplechase races in the area.
He attended Willowdale Church, and when the Jennersville campus opened, he volunteered to run the coffee bar at both services for several years. He was a member and past president of the Avon Grove Lions Club, and volunteered at their Book Barn every Friday evening and Saturday morning.
His parents were Charles Levis Thomson and Alice Osborne Thomson. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Eddie Gates. He is survived by his beloved partner of 30 years, Linda Haldeman, his sister Charlotte (Richard) Carrigan, daughters Tara Ray, Deborah (Scott) Gates, Patricia (Jim) Sullivan, Brenda (Wayne) Clemson, nephew Steve (Drew) Carrigan, 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 7 stepchildren, Jason Haldeman, Alissa O’Hara, Jessica (Ryan) Conley, Jared (Feather) Haldeman, Amy (Daniel) Flather, Andrew (Mindy) Haldeman, Rebecca (Tony) DeRose and 16 step-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held June 3, 2025 at Willowdale Church, Jennersville campus at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club. Checks can be mailed to : 600 North Baker Station, West Grove, PA 19390.
Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever. Fran, you are greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square. (484-734-8100) To view Fran's online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Francis
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Thomson
Make a Donation
in Francis Thomson's name
How to support Francis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Francis Thomson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
