Dr. Joseph Milburn "Mil" Thompson PhD

Dr. Joseph Milburn "Mil" Thompson, PhD, 77, of Louisville, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Dr. Thompson was a dedicated professor, esteemed author, and passionate advocate for justice and ethics. He served as a professor of Theology at Bellarmine University from 2001 until 2014, and previously taught Religious Studies at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT, from 1982 to 2001.
A scholar and writer, Dr. Thompson authored Introducing Catholic Social Thought and Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer, both of which received first-place awards for educational books from the Catholic Press Association. His deep commitment to issues of peace and justice extended beyond academia-he was an active member of the Peace and Justice Committee for the Archdiocese of Louisville and contributed his expertise to ethics committees for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care agencies.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thompson found joy in reading, writing, and traveling. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, MaryAnn Thompson, and a cherished brother to Kevin Thompson (Kathleen, recently deceased) and Angel Smedley (Bob) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Milburn Sr. and Dorothy Thompson.
Dr. Thompson's legacy lives on through his contributions to theological education, his advocacy for justice, and the many lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, and friend.
Visitation for Dr. Thompson will be from 12-1PM on Friday, February 21 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1960 Bardstown Road. Funeral Mass will be at 1PM on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Fellowship of Reconciliation.