Paul F. Thompson Jr.

Paul F. Thompson, Jr., 83, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by family at Wesleyan Health Care Center. He had been a resident at Wesleyan Health Care Center since October of 2024. Paul was born to Paul F. Thompson, Sr., and Mildred Thompson on August 30, 1941, in Marion, Indiana. Paul was a lifelong Marion resident and attended Bennett High School.

Paul had several jobs over the years including Owens-Illinois Glass and Fisher Body. Paul found his calling as City of Marion Firefighter. He joined the Marion Fire Department in 1968. While in the department, he held the ranks of: Firefighter, Engineer/Chauffeur, Fire Inspector, Arson Investigator, and Chief of Fire Prevention. Paul served the citizens of Marion in the Fire Department for 20 years and 6 months. After his retirement, Paul was inducted into the local Firefighter Hall of Fame in 2019.

Prior to leaving the Marion Fire Department, Paul won his first election as a Marion City Councilman. He went on to serve as Ward 1 City Councilman for 16 years from 1988-2003. During two of those years, he held the position of City Council President. While on the City Council, Paul served on multiple committees and boards helping to improve Marion and Grant County.

Paul was a former member of the Mississinewa Boat and Ski Club, where he was actively involved in the annual Regatta in the '60s and '70s. He was a former member of the Elks, the Moose, and the Mecca clubs. Paul served as a loan officer for the City of Marion Credit Union, on the Grant County Rehab Board, as President and board member of the Grant County Senior Center, and he was actively involved in the Grant County Democratic Party. Paul was a member of Marion Evening Exchange Club and Temple Congregational Church, where he served on the Board of Deacons.

Paul created two legacies for his son and grandsons. His grandsons, Blake and Luke, followed in their dad's, Paul III, and in their grandpa's footsteps by joining the Marion Fire Department. The Thompson family is this first family in the history of the Marion Fire Department to have three generations to serve on the Department. Paul was also proud to have been able to work with his son and grandsons at the business he started in his basement. Paul started Thompson Fire and Safety Supplies, Inc., in 1985, a locally owned and operated family business celebrating its 40th year of operation. Thompson Fire and Safety Supplies, Inc., has grown to be three generations strong under Paul's conservative and watchful eye. The next generations continue to honor Paul's entrepreneurship and hard work by growing his fire protection service to provide services throughout Indiana and lower Michigan.

In his spare time, Paul was an avid boater. He liked taking his father's 1973 El Camino to car shows around Indiana, spending time working in his yard, visiting with friends over morning coffee, staying actively involved in his neighborhood and community, and spending time with family. Getting together for family holidays was important to Paul.

Paul was dedicated to his family and his wife, Martha N. Thompson. Paul and Martha were married for 63 years. Paul cherished and dutifully cared for Martha until her passing. Paul is survived by his son, Paul III (Janet), and his daughter, Karen Floyd. He was a loving grandfather to Blake (Bayli) Thompson, Luke (Anne) Thompson, Autumn (Peter) Bridges, and Libby Floyd. He was a proud great-grandfather to Weston Bridges and Parker Hickman Floyd. Paul is also survived by his brother, Robert Thompson, Sr., of Anderson, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews, who loved him and all of his antics, including his unique whistle.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Martha N. Thompson, and his parents, Paul F. Thompson, Sr., and Mildred Thompson.

Paul prided himself on his ability to bring people together. His philosophy was to: 1) stay involved in your community, your church, and your schools, 2) stay active, and 3) take pride in all you do.

Paul's family is truly thankful for the wonderful care provided by Wesleyan Health Care Center and Heart to Heart Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Marion-Grant County Senior Center, 503 S. Gallatin St., Marion, IN 46953.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, a funeral service to celebrate Paul's life will be held at North Chapel at 11:00 am, preceded by one hour of visitation. Pastor Jeff Jahn will be officiating with burial following at Gardens of Memory in Marion.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.