BILLY THOMPSON SR.

JACKSON, Mo. -- Billy Joe Thompson Sr., 75, of Jackson died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2000, at his home.

He was born July 12, 1925, at Leemon, Mo., son of Sylvester Udee and Anna Mabel McDonald Thompson. He and Alice Faye Mason were married June 4, 1944. She died May 16, 1999.

Thompson was a 1943 graduate of Jackson High School. He received an associate of arts degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University in 1962, and was the first male graduate of the university's program.

He had owned and operated Thompson's Grill, was a salesman at Priest Clothing Store, was owner and operator of Dairy Queen in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, owned and operated Deal Nursing Home, and was founder of Thompson Family Enterprises and Thompson Union Group.

Thompson was a lifelong member of Jackson High School Booster Club and former scoutmaster of Troop 311.

He was a member of New McKendree United Meth-odist Church, Jackson Heritage Association, Missouri Nursing Home Association, Cape Girardeau County Senior Citizens Advisory Board, Friends of Scouting, Central Democratic Committeemen, Wednesday Night Painting Group, Southeast Missouri State University Copper Dome Society and a member of Optimist Club of Jackson 37 years.

Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Billy Joe and Robin S. Thompson Jr. of Jackson, John M. and Teresa Thompson of Jackson, Jim N. and Trudy Thompson of Sugar Land, Texas, Jack P. and Kim Thompson of New Wells, Mo.; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan J. and Dwain Hahs of Fairport, N.Y.; a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Jodi Thompson of Jackson; and a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Jack Litzelfelner of Jackson.

Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, Dr. Teresa Anne Ashman of New York City, N.Y.; Kyle Mason, Kaci Lynn and Kody Nelson Thompson of Jackson; Justin Lee and Jessica Anne Hahs of Fairport; Billy Joe Thompson III of Jackson; Connor James, Riley Hull and Blake Robert Thompson of Sugar Land; Hannah Dawn, Lane Jacob and Tanner Mason Thompson of Altenburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Alice Anne.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home from 2-6 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at New McKendree United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Scott Lohse officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Optimist Club of Jackson, Boy Scout Troop 311, or Jackson High School Athletic Booster Club.