John E. Thompson

John E. Thompson, age 89, of Marengo, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital of natural causes.

He was born June 4, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Edward and Dorothy (Gardner) Thompson. John graduated from West High School in Columbus and proudly entered the United States Naval Reserves while still in high school. He completed basic training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and later received instructor training in Philadelphia. John served as a U.S. Navy Seabee electrical training instructor, teaching sailors' skills vital to building, maintaining, and defending military infrastructure worldwide. He served in the Naval Reserves for 12 years, following in the footsteps of his father and brother.

On June 30, 1957, John married Patricia "Pat" Thompson at Glenwood Methodist Church on the west side of Columbus. Their love story began at Crusoe's Pizza on West Broad Street, and together they shared 68 years of marriage filled with devotion, joy, and love.

John began his electrical apprenticeship at age 18 and worked as an Industrial Electrician for more than 43 years, retiring in 1997 from Atlas Industrial Electric. He was a 70-year member of the IBEW local 683, and he worked on the electrical infrastructure of major companies including Ross Labs, Kroger, Anheuser-Busch, and Honda. His career also took him to New Jersey, where he worked on nuclear power plant projects.

Faith and service were central to John's life. He and Pat were longtime members of Marengo United Methodist Church, where John served as a lay leader, trustee, delegate to council, and member of Pastor-Parish Relations. He worked with youth and acolytes, was certified as a lay speaker, and frequently filled in for pastors throughout the district.

John was a dedicated Mason for 65 years and a member of Avery Lodge #493 and Ashley Lodge #407, where he served as Master and recently received a 65-year membership award and that evening, he closed the lodge. Being members of the Masonic Lodge became a three-generation tradition in his family, with his son and grandson also serving as Master. John was also a member of the Eastern Star, serving six times as Worthy Patron. He further served in the Masonic camping group, the National Camping Travelers as a local officer, Ohio State Director, and National Director.

A lifelong volunteer, John, gave many years of service to the Girl Scouts. He volunteered for over 20 years with the Special Olympics, installing electrical service for "Tent City" to support athletes with special needs.

In retirement, John and Pat enjoyed life as snowbirds, spending winters in Leesburg, Florida. Beginning in 2008, they traveled full-time for 10 years in their motorhome, visiting almost every state in the U.S., with special enjoyment of Alaska and British Columbia, often towing their Jeep. They always returned through their favorite state of Colorado.

John enjoyed leather engraving and camping and travel, Masonic activities, and playing the card game "Gotcha." He will be remembered as a kind and caring soul who lived his Christian faith daily, saw the good in others, inspired future generations, and placed family at the center of his life.

John is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Patricia "Pat" Thompson; children Paul Thompson, Trina (Mark) Cloud, Twila (Richard) Pinkerton, and his son in-law David Smith; grandchildren Ritchie (Stacey) Pinkerton, Kelly (Isaac) Pinkerton, Brad (Ashlee) Thompson, Justin Smith, Lisann (Xavier) Fields, Ezra and Libby Cloud, and Tracy Seymour; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece Tammy (Rick) Thompson and nephew Tim Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Paul Thompson and his wife Jeanne; nephew Terry Thompson; daughter Tahna Smith; and his son Paul's life partner, Beverly Bishop.

Friends may call Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, 637 North State Route 61 at State Route 3, Sunbury, Ohio, where a Masonic Service will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Brad Duncan.

Burial will be held the following day at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Marengo Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded by the Morrow County Veteran's Honor Guard.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff and palliative care team at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital for their compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics in John's memory.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.