Rev. Jeffry Scott Thompson

Born April 3, 1943 in Rushville to William Rozelle and Rosalee Ariminta (Ross) Thompson, he married Sandra Darlene Downing on August 16, 1964 in Mt. Pulaski. They were married 58 years until her death on September 16, 2022 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his children, Whitney Thompson and Joshua (Christina Lykins) Thompson, both of Pekin; six grandchildren, Breanne (Jeremiah Lairson) Miller, Ross Miller, Aleia (Chase Bailey) Miller, Sophia Thompson, Brody Thompson and Jaelyn Toms and his brother, Pastor Jack (Lois) Thompson of Bartonville.

Jeff was a graduate of Lincoln Christian University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ministerial Science. He later earned his Master of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas at Hays, Kansas. He was called into the ministry and served Christian churches in Colorado, Kansas and Illinois for over 55 years. Jeff also was an adjunct instructor at Illinois Central College in East Peoria for 35 years. He also had taught at Eureka College. He and his wife, Darlene, became foster parents for ten newborns over 3 years until their adoptions.

Jeff loved fishing and following sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.

His graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Mount Pulaski Cemetery. Pastor Jack Thompson, his brother, and Pastor James C. McClarey will officiate. There will be no visitation. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Christian University for the Lynn Laughlin Scholarship Fund, which was Jeff’s best friend since the age of 4.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com