John A. Thompson

John passed away peacefully on December 28, 2017, at the age of 94. Beloved husband of the late Laura Thompson (nee Daley); dear father of Ronald (Barbara White) Thompson of Pacific Grove, CA; proud grandfather of Matthew and Megan Thompson. He is also survived by his niece Kathy (Ben) Amido of Hawaii, nephew Rusty (Kris) Thompson of Florissant, and niece Barbara (Doc) Rayot of Waterloo, IL. John was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Thompson (nee Rieger), his father, Edwin Connor “E.C.” Thompson, and his brothers, Melbourne and Lester.

A veteran of the US Army Air Force with service in World War II. Graduate of the University of Illinois School of Architecture. John practiced architecture for 39 years, contributing to the design and construction of more than 200 churches, schools, colleges, hospitals, residences, and commercial and public buildings. Notable projects included the design of commercial warehousing for the Hussmann Refrigerator Company and the sanctuary for the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Florissant, MO. Following his 1987 retirement, he served as an expert witness in various construction litigation matters.

Mr. Thompson was born and raised in Ferguson, MO, where he lived the first 70 years of his life. In 1953, Laura and John purchased their first home in the then new development, Ferguson Hills, where people who were also starting families purchased homes during the post War era. He loved Ferguson, serving two terms on the city council and was its mayor from 1958 to 1960. Following that, he served multiple terms on the city’s planning commission.

In 1993, the Thompsons moved to Lake Saint Louis to enjoy retirement together in a beautiful lakefront home. There they met many wonderful people. While Laura played bridge and enjoyed gardening, John played golf and was active in the Lake St Louis “Ambassadors” raising funds for the community’s annual Fourth of July fireworks festivities among other activities. Laura and John were members of the Dardenne Presbyterian Church.

John leaves a legacy of hard work, selflessness, humor, humility, community service, loyalty and honesty. Besides his family and many friends made along the way, John’s passions included golf, tennis, vintage autos, the St Louis Cardinals, the University of Illinois Illini and his beloved City of Ferguson.

Services: Visitation at Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 S Outer Rd 364 in Dardenne Prairie, MO, on Friday, January 5th, 2018, from 10:00 until 11:00 AM. Funeral service begins at 11 a.m. Reception follows the service. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life. Private interment.

Memorials:

Contributions may be made to the “University of Illinois Foundation” with “School of Architecture” and “John Thompson memorial” in the memo line sent to:

University of Illinois Foundation

1305 West Green Street

Urbana, IL 61801-2962