Feb. 29, 1920 — April 29, 2016

Earl A. Thompson, 96, formerly of Niles, Michigan died at 3:50 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Medilodge of Lansing, Michigan following an extended illness.

He was born on February 29 — Leap Day — of 1920 in Talcott, West Virginia to Robert LeRoy and Sarah Elizabeth (Wiseman) Thompson. He was first employed in an auto repair shop in Huntington, West Virginia, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1945. Sergeant Thompson served in the Quartermaster Corps in the European theater, and was honorably discharged as a Veteran of World War II. He came to Niles in 1952 and was employed as a group leader for the former Jessup Door Company in Dowagiac.

Earl was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Niles where he served and volunteered for many different areas of service.

On Dec. 28, 1940, in Russell, Kentucky he married the former Alice F. Stewart with whom he celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on June 27, 1991. They were also preceded in death by a son, Phillip S. Thompson on February 4, 1969; and by Earl’s sisters, Thelma Meador and Pauline Brown.

Surviving family includes a son, David E. (& Karen) Thompson of Grand Ledge, Michigan; granddaughters Tracey and Terri, and great-granddaughters, Anna and Maggie.

The family of Earl Thompson gathered privately at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, followed by committal at Mission Hills which concluded with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Contributions in memory of Earl may be made to the Hospice of Lansing; 3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, Michigan 48911.

www.halbritterfunerals.com