Eugene Kenneth Thompson, 90, of Marseilles, passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 at Morris Hospital.

Private services will be held at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. A Celebration of Life for the public will be held at a later date when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, IL with military honors.

He was born on November 10, 1930, in Marseilles, to Guyer Burton and Iona Eudith (Nelson) Thompson. On May 23, 1954, he married Rita Alice Vandorn of Ottawa, who preceded him in death on September 10, 1999. On January 19, 2002, he married Marian Benson Cook of Ottawa who survives.

Eugene enlisted in the Army National Guard prior to the Korean War. He was activated in 1951 and served in the infantry division until the armistice was signed in 1953. He rejoined with the National Guard, retiring after serving for 15 years, with the rank of master sergeant. He joined the Marseilles American Legion Post 235, in which his father, a World War I veteran, was a charter member, and he served 67 years. He served as American Legion County/District and Division Commander before he was elected American Legion Department of IL Sr. Vice Commander for the years 2004-2005 and elected American Legion Department of IL Commander for 2005-2006. From 2007 to 2009, he then served as American Legion Alternate National Executive Committeeman. From 2009 to 2011, he acted as American Legion National Committeeman. He was currently working as State Poppy Chairman as well as Division and District for the American Legion Depart. of IL.

Eugene is survived by his wife Marian; his two children, Kenneth Thompson of Marseilles and Catherine (Terry) Grubar of Mackinaw, IL; five grandchildren, Ryné (Aaron) Koepple, Julie Grubar, Erik (Janet), Lisa, and Adam Thompson; and five great-grandchildren, Gabby, Mara Beth, and Charlie-Jean Koepple and Brody and Elly Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita; three sisters, Loraine Neurohr, Doris Shelton, and Betty Duvall.

Memorials may be directed to the Marseilles American Legion Post 235.

Honorary pallbearers include Adam and Erik Thompson, Aaron Koepple, Terry Grubar, Pete Cook, and Michael Ruiz.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com