Berthal "Pete" Thompson

Berthal F. Pete Thompson, 89, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. Pete was born August 20, 1922 in Centralia the son of William and Mary (Dykstra) Thompson. During WWII in 1943, while Pete was serving in the US Army at Anzio Beach, Italy, he was wounded and captured by the Germans. For 15 months 3 days he was held as a prisoner of war on a farm near the Russian border. Pete is quoted as saying We slept on straw, stole potatoes, when we could, endured two bitter winters, and watched the skies for American planes. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. Pete was liberated by the French in 1945 and returned to his family home in Ashley, Illinois where he was greeted by his childhood sweetheart Dorothy Ray. They were married in Nashville, Illinois on July 29, 1945 and they have been blessed with over 66 years of marriage. In 1957 Pete began working for Mitchell Funeral Home as an ambulance driver. He worked at the funeral home for over 50 years and enjoyed his career in funeral service because of the people he meet and the families he served. He was a member of Spillertown Baptist Church. Survivors include; Wife Dorothy Thompson of Marion Son Jerry L. Thompson and Joyce Reichert of Buncombe Two Grandsons; Jeri Heath Thompson and wife Jamie of West Frankfort Jordan Lee Thompson and wife Ashton of Dix Three Great Granddaughters Isabel, Gabriella and Lauren Four Sisters; Stella Louise Tootsie Wilson of Woodlawn Mary Alice Pauline Douhit and husband of Centralia Lillie Mae White of Ashley Anna Ruth White of Centralia Helen Virginia Marie Thorpe of Ashley Eighteen nieces and nephews Preceded by his Parents, Four brothers and Three sisters Funeral services will be Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Shorty Alsip officiating. Burial will follow in Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be presented by Marion VFW Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and National Guard Flag Detail Unit. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.