Joseph E. Thompson passed away peacefully at Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan on Wednesday , December 13th 2023. He was born on June 15th 1952 in Anaheim, California to Leon LaVern Thompson and Hazel Jones.

Joe graduated from Monroe High School, Monroe MI. After serving as an 82nd Airborne Ranger in Vietnam; he then worked from bottling machines to HVAC master and retired as a farmer.

He loved spending time with his family and his dogs Chewie Bear and Mr. Opie Taylor. Listening to bluegrass and good ole rock and roll music while gardening, smoking chicken on the grill , cutting wood and fishing were his favorite pastimes.

Survivors include his wife of 51 1/2 years Deborah Thompson and his only son Joseph (Melanie) Thompson II , two grandchildren Joseph Thompson III and Meghan Thompson and two great-grandchildren Maverick Bontrager and Deacon Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Jess Riley and Linnie Gay.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time with immediate family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Deborah Thompson