Donald H. “Don” Thompson, 84, of Kinmundy passed away at 1:29 am, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Fayette County Hospital and Long-Term Care in Vandalia, Illinois.
Don was born on May 13, 1939, in Meacham Township, Illinois, the son of Harry and Ella (Meyers) Thompson. Don married Linda Kaye Jenkins on October 12, 1956, at the Kinmundy Christian Church, Kinmundy and they shared 64 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 20, 2020. He was known for his unwavering contributions to his community and loved ones over the course of his life.
Don and his wife Linda owned and operated Don’s Meat Processing in Kinmundy for over 32 years. Don found joy in serving his customers with high-quality meat products. For many years he also gave pony rides at the Pioneer Village and took pride in making children smile. Don was passionate about volunteer work and served as a firefighter for over six decades. He was instrumental in the Kinmundy-Alma Fire Department and served on its board for more than 40 years. Don’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he was a member of the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Board for nearly 30 years; illustrating his dedication to keeping the community safe. Don’s selflessness extended beyond his work as a firefighter as he served on the Kinmundy Township Board. He maintained strong religious beliefs throughout his life and was a lifetime member of the Kinmundy Christian Church. Don’s kindness extended to everyone who had an opportunity to cross paths with him. His family will always remember him fondly for being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.
Don is survived by his four children: Donnie Lee (Froncie) Thompson of Kinmundy; Julie (Steve) Pettit of Acworth, Georgia; Jeanne (Greg) Sullivan of Bedford, Indiana; Janet (James) Mulvany of Kinmundy; eight grandchildren: Corey (Tara) Thompson of Kinmundy, Curtis (Rachel) Thompson of Kinmundy, Nick Sullivan of Bedford, Indiana, Nathan (Pier) Sullivan of Bloomington, Indiana, Clay Sullivan of Bedford, Indiana, Trista (David) Altman of Pana, Illinois, Tyler (Heather) Mulvany of Flora, Terah Jo (Ryan) Waterman of Flora; and 16 great-grandchildren. Don’s parents and brother Ivan (Wanda) DeVore preceded him in death.
Funeral services celebrating Don’s life will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Kinmundy Christian Church, Kinmundy, with Steve Pettit officiating. Burial will follow at the Oskaloosa Cemetery, in rural Louisville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening at the church where friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and then on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don’s memory to either Kinmundy-Alma Fire Department, Kinmundy Christian Church, or Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, and will be accepted at the church and the funeral home. The McGriff Funeral Home in Kinmundy is entrusted with the care and arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Don, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.
