Robert Thompson

Robert Verlin Thompson, 73, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at OSF.

Robert was born May 2, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, a son of Rudy and Ruie Thompson.

Robert fought a very long, courageous battle with liver disease, along with other health problems. Liver failure is a hard thing. There will always be memories of him healthy -- cooking, telling jokes, chain smoking and always being the mediator over our endless family drama. Anyone who knew him knew he was an avid shopper. He loved his grocery stores. He bought for everyone! He loved oldies music, fast cars and poker machines, but what he loved the most was his family.

In his earlier years, he served in the Army in Germany, was a laborer, repo man and ran the Triple R Bar. He co-owned and operated the Brown Bag Video, Silver Slipper Saloon and Big Boys Pawn for many years. There, he was seen as a father figure to many of the employees. He was undeniably one of the best bosses anyone could ever hope to work for. People could talk to him about anything and valued his advice.

Robert truly had the biggest heart and would help anyone. Whether you were 5 or 55, he called you "kid," "kiddo" or "hazel" and we will forever miss that! He was the glue that held the family together. Our family circle has been broken but will be mended by all the wonderful memories he has left us and guidance instilled in us.

He did so many unspoken acts of kindness over the years that he definitely earned his angel wings. He was someone to everyone! He will be truly missed by everyone and forever in our hearts.

Survivors include his wife Beverly Wilson; children, Kim Neathery of Sarasota, Florida, Amanda (Leslie) Rexroat and Mariana Thompson of Ottawa; grandchildren, Liz (Steven) Kirkreit, Blake Neathery, and Larkyn Rexroat; great-grandchildren, Aiden and Kyla; siblings, Shirley Alexander of Kissimmee, Florida, Frank (Glenda) Thompson of Seneca, Illinois, Thomas (Stephanie) of Naplate, Illinois, Richard (Diane) of Ottawa, Glen (Susie) of Dayton, Illinois, and Delores Henry of Peru, Illinois; lots of nieces and nephews; and many more extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gene and Donald; children, David and Dawn in infancy; and son, Bobby in May 2019.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at noon Tuesday, with Tommy Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. There will be a dinner served immediately following at Knights of Columbus in Ottawa.

Online condolences may be shared at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.