Larry R. Thompson, 78, of Saugatuck and formerly of Edwardsburg and Sand Creek, passed to his rest Oct. 22, 2018, in Holland Hospital after an extended battle with cancer.
He was born Nov. 24, 1939, in Elkhart, Ind., the son of Donald and Doris (Withrow) Thompson and graduated from Edwardsburg Schools. He earned a B.S. from WMU and M.A. and Education Specialist from MSU. In addition to teaching government and driver’s education and coaching for 25 years, he was director of Lenawee County driver Safety School, adjunct professor at MSU, transportation instructor at WMU, president of State Traffic Safety Education Association, served on several boards including Madison Township, Lenawee County, Saugatuck City Planning Commission, and Saugatuck Public Schools.
His next 25 years he represented Allegan County Probate Court as a Guardian ad Litem. Larry received a lifetime achievement award from MSU and in 2016 was inducted into Edwardsburg Schools Hall of Fame.
He was married Dec. 22, 1956, in Edwardsburg, to Elizabeth Ann Westfall and she survives in Saugatuck along with their three sons, Bob (Jill) Thompson of Edwardsburg, Rick (Ann) Thompson of Saugatuck and Jim (Jennifer) Thompson of Schoolcraft. There are four grandchildren, Kara (Chuck) Williams, Krin (Etan) Klein, Wyatt Thompson and Ronan Thompson. There are two great-grandchildren, Yoav Klein and Dawson Klein. Also surviving is a brother, Dennis (Irene) Thompson of Cassopolis.
Family and friends may gather on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 West Main St., Edwardsburg. The Service of Remembrance will be Monday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. in the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, 68961 Lake St., Edwardsburg, where all may gather one hour before the services. Officiating will be Pastor Chuck Winter of Battle Creek, a family friend, and interment will follow in Edwardsburg Cemetery on the family plot.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to Edwardsburg Schools Foundation, 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg, MI 49112 or to the Sand Creek School Athletic Boosters, 6518 Sand Creek Hwy., Sand Creek, MI 49279.
Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.
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