Elvin Benjamin Thompson

Elvin B. Thompson, 92, of Patterson, MO passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. He was born January 30, 1932, in Mill Spring, MO to Spirel and Cleo (Frye) Thompson, the fourth of eight children.

Elvin is survived by his sons: Robin Thompson and wife Lyn of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Jim Thompson and wife Vicky of Springville, IN; his daughter: Christine Thompson of Poplar Bluff; his stepson: Brent Bollinger of Piedmont; his brother: Dale Thompson and wife Monica of Steelville; eight grandchildren: Andrew Thompson, Becky Weber and husband Robert, Tommy Weber, Jessica Brady, Jane Kever and husband Michael, Bobby Brady, Vanessa Thompson, William Thompson; three great-grandchildren: Wayne Herrin Jr., Trinity Kever and Mike Kever Jr.; as well as many nieces and nephews who also mourn his loss.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Dorris Hassell and husband Clarence, Lavetta Garrett and husband Ralph, Shirley Thompson; three brothers: Edwin Thompson, Elroy Thompson, and Gene Thompson.

After graduating from Piedmont High School in 1949, he worked a short time as a School Janitor and as a Bakers Helper before joining the United States Army in 1952. He served his two-year enlistment during the Korean War at Fort Leonard Wood reaching the rank of Corporal before his Honorable Discharge in August of 1954. In September of 1954, Elvin began working at Brown Shoe Company in Piedmont, as a leather outsole cutter. The Company quickly recognized his leadership skills, and he was soon promoted to management working his way from Assistant Foreman, to Foreman, then to Assistant Superintendent at both Piedmont and Ironton facilities. On September 1, 1966, he was named Plant Superintendent at Piedmont, where he served the remainder of his forty-year career until his retirement in 1995.

Elvin was an avid outdoorsman who vigorously pursued his many, many outdoor related activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, mushroom hunting, root & herb gathering & buying, wood cutting, timber management, photography, taxidermy, fly tying, scoutmaster, bird watching, and more. Elvin was a member of the Missouri Trappers Association, (MTA), for more than forty years where he served as District Director and Secretary/Treasurer. He especially enjoyed mentoring others, especially the youth, by performing demonstrations and workshops. He was inducted into the MTA Hall of Fame in 2019, an honor he deeply cherished.

Elvin was active in many other organizations including the National Trappers Association, National Rifle Association, Fur Takers of America, Pro Carp Association of Des Arc, and more. He was an avid gardener who raised a large garden every year. Elvin would keep only a fraction of the bounty for himself and share the rest with family, friends, and neighbors.

Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 2, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 3, 2024, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Don Pennington ministered to the family. Andrew Thompson, Robert Weber, Bobby Brady, Wayne Burress, Cecil Shaffer, Kelly Turner, Doug Thompson, Randy Thompson, and David Davis served as pallbearers. Clayton Spangler, Monte Cates, and William Thompson served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Mill Spring Cemetery, Mill Spring, with full military honors provided by the United States Army and American Legion Post 281 of Piedmont. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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