Ronald Thompson

MORTON – Ronald L. Thompson, 83, of Morton, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice in Peoria.

He was born on November 17, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., to David and Eleanor (Bader) Thompson. He married Carol Hess in Morton, Ill., on December 17, 1961.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Thompson of Morton; two sons, Brett (Katie) Thompson of Washington, Ill. and Craig (Jodi) Thompson of Charlotte, N.C.; one grandson, Trevor Thompson of Fishers, Ind.; and one brother, Dave (Ellen) Thompson of Peoria.

Ron graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He taught math, physics and chemistry at New Holland-Middletown High School and Lincoln College. He then worked 33 years for Caterpillar, Inc., retiring in 1998 as a systems analyst.

Ron owned and operated Canoes Etc. from his home. He always said he was “the largest canoe and kayak dealer in the city of Morton”.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman. He and his wife Carol enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states.

Ron attended Morton United Methodist Church.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life sharing will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with Pastor Bill Novak officiating. Family will greet friends and loved ones immediately following the service, where hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Park Conservation Association (NPCA).

To view Ron’s online video tribute or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.