Gene Thompson Obituary

Gene H. Thompson

Gene Harold Thompson, of Findlay, entered his heavenly home at 1:44 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born March 9, 1929, in New Boston, Ohio, to Clyde and Betty (Thurman) Thompson. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Georgia Ella Swain from Swain, Kentucky, February 14, 1947, and she survives.

Gene is survived by sons, Tom (Carol) Thompson, Steve (Gerry) Thompson, and David (Cindy) Thompson, all of Findlay; sisters, Linda (Rich) Hull, Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Guadalupe Thompson, Mexico City, Mexico, and Velia Thompson Regalado, Mexico City, Mexico; and brother, Rigo Thompson, Mexico City, Mexico. He was a proud grandfather to, Karyn (Tracy) Rayl, Desery (Shane) Thiel, Beau (Ashley Vanderveer) Thompson, Travis Thompson; great-grandfather to, Savannah, Makenzie (Caleb) Berens, Kennedy, Sebastian, and Hayden; and great-great-grandfather to, Isaac and Cambria.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Tim Conner of Bradenton, Florida.

Gene was a lifelong member of Upper Room Church of God, a devout Christian, and shared his love of Jesus Christ with his family and friends. Being in his presence and listening to his life stories and his love for God was a blessing to all. He projected a sincerity that just drew you in. He had such a kind heart and was always available if you needed a helping hand. His kindness and generosity towards others were just a few of his many gifts. Family gatherings were special. Holiday meals, birthday celebrations, graduation, and his grandchildren's sporting events, to name a few. He always looked forward to Wednesday night Bible study group at his home and was instrumental in sharing his knowledge of the scriptures. He was a devoted father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend to many. A man of deep faith.

Gene started his career as a Telegraph Operator for the B&O Railroad in Kirkwood, Ohio, when he was 17 years old and never forgot the art of telegraphing Morse code. He retired as a Train Dispatcher in Deshler, Ohio. During his railroad career he had the opportunity to work in Liberia, West Africa for two years bringing his family along. As a train dispatcher for Liberia Mining Company, he dispatched trains loaded with Iron Ore from the interior to the African coast. He and Georgia traveled throughout Europe on their return trip to the US from Liberia.

After retiring from his railroad career, Gene began painting the interior and exterior of homes to occupy his time and to meet people. He also worked part-time for Cooper Tire as a storefront rendition artist. He loved painting landscape pictures with watercolor and oil and was a member of the Findlay Art Club for many years. He also painted numerous advertising signs that could be seen throughout the Findlay area. Gene, also was talented with writing in calligraphy, a lost art in modern times. Tennis, golf, hunting, fishing, and swimming were his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada with his friends, walleye and perch fishing on Lake Erie, and fishing in Florida, where they spent many winters. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing at church functions and played gospel music on AM radio. He was an avid reader of the Bible and Christian literature. He loved spending time outdoors, planting flowers, working on the landscape or sitting on the front porch relaxing.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at Upper Room Church of God, Findlay, with Pastor Ken McBeath officiating. Burial will be at Knollcrest Gardens, east of Findlay.

Visitation will be from 12-3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Upper Room Church of God, Findlay.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.