John D. Thompson

Cadillac - Heaven's gates opened wide for John Duane Thompson on Wednesday evening, November 21, 2018, and welcomed a giant of a man home. He was 75.

John was born on July 6, 1943, in Cadillac, Michigan to Alvin and Helen (Duncan) Thompson. He was raised and attended school in Cadillac and was a graduate of Cadillac High School, before entering the military.  John proudly served as a member of the United States Navy.  He was an expert marksman at shooting, earning many medals and patches as a youth.  He served as a front gunner on the U.S.S. The Sullivans Destroyer, during a face off with Russian ships as part of the Cuban Missile Crisis, under President John F. Kennedy.  John was passionate about the outdoors and hunted out west for over 30 years.  And, "Grandpa John" passed many of his skills onto his grandkids.  He also was sure to pass along his wisdom to all the grandchildren.   On December 29, 1989, John entered into marriage with the former, Avis "Shan" Blackmer, in Cadillac. 

John is survived by his wife of nearly 29 years, Avis; his children, John R. Thompson,  Julie (Jimi) Eisen, Dennis (Vicki) Marvin, Ben (Carie) Marvin, Renee (Richard Argue) Marvin; his sister, Janet (David) VanPelt; grandchildren, Matthew (Alisha) Otberg, Skyler (Carl) Inman, Whitney and Ashley Colberg, Emily Eisen, Dominic (Savannah) Thompson, Bridgette and Vincent Thompson, Emily Marvin, Kori (Christin) Marvin, and Clint and Garrett Mackinnon; nephews, Brent and Brian VanPelt; great-grandchildren, Dameon Inman, Atticus Otberg, Kayden, Braiden, and London Avis Thompson, and Emma Clothier Mackinnon; sisters-in-law, Linda (Rex) Reed and Kathryn (Roger "Lee") Whaley; his three amigos, Gerry, Lenny, and Russ; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, grandparents, James (Ida) Thompson and Russell (Jessie) Duncan, and in-laws, Peter (Evelyn) Blackmer.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 29, 2018, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the funeral home.  Funeral services will follow, Friday November 30, 2018 at 2:00 pm also at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cadillac Area Honor Guard.           The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John D. Thompson, please visit our floral store.