J.P. is preceded in death by his father Joe Plemon Thompson and mother Elva Granger Thompson, his daughter Patricia Downs, his late wife Bobbye Thompson, sisters Eddie Hatton and Shirley Baucum.
J.P. is survived by his son Joe Hugh Thompson and wife Patsy, seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
There will be a time of visitation on Monday, December, 13, 2021 at 10:00 am at Holly Brook Baptist Church, 3219 FM 2869 Hawkins Texas 75765. With a service to follow at 11:00 am. There will be an entombment at 1:30 at Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum with Military Honors and Masonic Graveside Rites at 12053 State Highway 64 west, Tyler Texas 75704.
J.P. attended Prairie view school in Orangefield Texas. He attended High School in Dickerson Texas, and finished High school in Hawkins Texas.
After school he worked in the shipyard in Orange Texas. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Army (Indian division). He was in the first wave to hit Normandy beach where only 3% survived in June of 1944. He was awarded three medals which included the Purple Heart for the wounds he received in the invasion of Normandy. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
J.P. was a rural mail carrier in Hawkins, after that he worked at the family store, Minschew’s general merchandise. He then went into business for himself, owning three Exxon service stations until he retired.
J.P. was a volunteer fireman for more than 20 years. He was a deacon, usher, teacher and department leader at the Hawkins First Baptist Church.
J.P. is a 70 plus years master mason, he was a member of the Tyler lodge 1233. He is a past master of the masonic lodge, member of the 32nd degree Scottish Rite, a member of the Sharon Shrine in Tyler Texas where he was a past Potentate. He gave much of his time and money to the Shrines hospital for children.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Thompson family.
