THOMPSON, LEROY V.

GODFREY — Leroy Vernon Thompson, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 1997, at his home in Godfrey.

He was born in Noblesville, Ind., Nov. 16, 1924, a son of the late Jerome Kirby and Hattie Bea (Stephenson) Thompson.

He spent his youth in Muncie, Ind., and Alton before joining the military in 1942. He served in the United States Marine Corps 753rd Platoon, where he attained the rank of corporal. Upon completing military service, he settled in Waco, Texas, and began a lifelong association with Owens-Illinois Glass Co.

In 1969 he and his family moved to the Alton area, where he served as production manager for the Alton plant. He completed his career in the international division and managed facilities in Madrid and Seville, Spain. Upon retirement, he spent time in China as a private consultant to Owens-Illinois and served as special liaison in the China and Pacific Rim product development program.

Thompson enjoyed video production, fishing, golf and sharing a good story.

He will be remembered as a man of strong integrity, a loyal friend and as a caring father and husband.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty (Miller) Thompson, who lives in Godfrey; five children, Teri Brigman of Hartford, Michael Thompson of Hansford, Calif., Paula Loria of Mobile, Ala., David Thompson of Dallas and Stephen Thompson of Godfrey; 17 grandchildren, Paul and Jason Guerrant, Nicole Norton, Jeff and Julie Brigman, Michael, Christina, Brian and Chad Loria, Lee Michael, Michelle and Heather Thompson, Kirby, Caroline and Drew Thompson and Benjamin and Paul Thompson; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Marietta Burke of Bradenton, Fla.; and brother, Jerome Thompson of Bradenton, Fla.

Two brothers and a sister preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, where services will be at 10 a.m. Monday. The Rev. Royce Roy will officiate.

Burial will be in Alton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Hospice of Southern Illinois.