Mark Thompson

Mark McKim “Mac” Thompson, age 83 years of Niles, Michigan died at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at his home following an extended illness.

He was born on May 21, 1931 in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada to Mark Hibbard and Mary Marguerite (McKim) Thompson, Jr. and has lived in Niles most of his life. At Niles High School, he was a great left-handed pitcher for the baseball team, played football, and graduated in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving a full tour of duty, and being discharged as a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. On return from the military, he was first employed at the former Tyler Refrigeration plant in Niles, and earned an Associate’s degree in Business from the former South Bend (Indiana) Business College. He began a career in the purchasing department of the former Kreamo Bakers of South Bend (now Alpha Baking). He served many years as the Purchasing Agent, and retired after a remarkable forty-two years.

Mark was a member and former deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Niles. He continued his interest in baseball on amateur leagues, and volunteering as a coach for his children’s teams. He was a fan of both the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, and of both the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed fishing, especially at South Haven. At home, he enjoyed gardening and yardwork; washing, waxing, and cleaning his car to showroom condition; but - most importantly – he enjoyed following the activities of his children and grandchildren.

On March 30, 1957 at the Congregational Church in South Haven he married the former Elaine Marie Smith with whom he celebrated last March the Fifty-seventh anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Elaine Thompson and their children, Mark David (& Donna) Thompson of Niles, Thomas Arthur (& Karan) Thompson of Rochester, New York, Troy McKim (& Angela) Thompson of Niles, and Jennifer Marie (& William Boothe) Thompson-Boothe of South Bend; grandchildren Mark (& Shawnetta) Thompson, Samantha Thompson, Sarah (& Ash) Scarbrough, Benjamin Thompson, Rebecca Thompson, Kevin Thompson, Duane Thompson, Mathew Colburn, Madison Boothe, and Mason Boothe; great-grandson Dominic Gabriel Scarbrough; and Mark’s brother, John (& Frances) Thompson of Kalamazoo, Michigan and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Mary Thompson, Jr. and by a stillborn son, Robert Arthur Thompson.

The family of Mark M. Thompson will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. The visitation will conclude with a brief prayer service by the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of First Presbyterian Church, and by the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

Contributions in memory of Mark M. Thompson may be made to The Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church, or to Hospice at Home.