Greatly beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and Pastor, Roger Lee Thompson passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2022 following a long term illness. Roger was born January 21, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1957 and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield Ohio in 1960 where he was ordained into the Lutheran ministry.
Throughout his life of ministry and community service, Roger was a fierce advocate of caring and compassion for those in greatest need. He touched the lives of so many, instilling new and renewed faith in God and inspiring all to be their best self. His priorities in life were Faith, Family, and Ohio State Football.
He served congregations in Bellevue, KY; Valparaiso, IN; Elwood IN; Indianapolis, IN; Willard, OH; and Sugarcreek, OH. After retirement serving as support and interim pastor in Sandyville, Massillon and Willard, OH.
Pastor Thompson also served organizations outside of his local church. In Elwood, IN, he was the chairman of the Madison County Migrant Ministry committee and served as the President of the Elwood YMCA. He was chairman of the Indiana/Kentucky Synod Lay Ministry Committee for 20 years. In the 1990s, he served as the United Fund President in Willard, OH and was the Police Dept Chaplain in Sugarcreek, OH. And in his retirement served as a volunteer for Adult Teen Challenge in Willard, OH.
Roger is survived by his wife Liz, sons Jeff (Kathy) Thompson and Michael Thompson (Peter Hillman), and stepsons Lee Tripp (Teresa), Josef (Joanie) Tripp and four grandchildren – Joshua (Alyssa) Thompson, Caleb (Antoinette) Thompson, Stacey Tripp, Harlee Tripp and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 3-6pm. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Willard, Ohio on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11am with Pastor Matthew Diehl officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Willard, Ohio. Family requests wearing masks during visitation and funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Roger to Trinity Lutheran Church, Willard, OH; The Parkinson’s Foundation; or SouthernCare Hospice, of Milan, OH.
Condolences
Sharon Humes - Mar 5, 2022
Deepest and profound sorrow from myself and my brother Gary Lucas. Our entire family attended Salem Lutheran in New Augusta and Pastor Thompson was so very wonderful. May your happy memories sustain you during this most difficult time.
Reane Postma - Feb 20, 2022
So deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor. He touched my life in so many ways and I would not be the person that I am today without his love, compassion and ministry. He was as close as it comes to “Jesus” incarnate. “Friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.” My deepest condolences to Liz, and family.
Rosemary & Charles Rader - Feb 20, 2022
We were sorry to learn of Pastor Thompson's death. Our sympathies are with Liz, Jeff, Mike and their families. Thanks to all of you for letting Roger share so much of his life with other people. Roger's enthusiasm strengthened Charlie's faith and inspired him to become more involved in the church; he is still highly involved with Salem. Roger encouraged Rosemary to enhance the worship music by building a strong children's choir program and encouraging the choirs to perform for nursing home and retirement home residents and in hospitals in our surrounding community. Now that we are both twenty years into retirement from the Indianapolis Symphony, we are still active church council members. We are praying for Roger and all of his family.
Anita Gooderum - Feb 17, 2022
We were greatly saddened to hear of Pastor Thompson passing. The years he was at Salem in New Augusta were some of the best years of our life. He strengthened our faith and set the stage for our families faith in a life of God. We are eternally grateful to him. We send our deepest sympathy to Liz, Jeff and Mike and their families.
Penny Laferty - Feb 17, 2022
So saddened of Pastor Thompson passing. He was such a kind soul. He baptized three of my children and was always there when needed. He had so much wisdom. He seemed to always know what to say when asked for advice. He is no longer in pain.Prayers to you Liz and family.
Tom and Nancy Alexander - Feb 16, 2022
Liz, Jeff, Mike, and family: We have many fond memories of Pastor Thompson and send our condolences along with our daughters. Salem was at its best when he served as our pastor! Peace and comfort to you all!
Ami Zellner Boley - Feb 15, 2022
Rest in Heavenly peace Pastor Thompson. A faithful servant who’s work is done, but memory lives on.
Kay Carr - Feb 15, 2022
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the rest of your family.
Shirley and Bill Gates - Feb 15, 2022
so sorry to hear of Pastors passing He was a fine man and Pastor. Peace to you Liz and your Family, thinking of you.
Nancy King - Feb 15, 2022
Go rest high on the mountain. Son, your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a shouting before the Father and the Son. Rest in peace, Pastor.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Feb 14, 2022
To Liz and Family. We want to express our sympathy on the passing of Pastor. He was a wonderful man both inside and out. We are honored to have known him. God's blessing on your family during this sad time.
Randy and Cheryl Hillman - Feb 14, 2022
Dear Liz and family, Our deepest sympathy to y’all. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort and loving memories to hold in your hearts forever.
Maxine and Ken Ritchey - Feb 14, 2022
Condolences to Liz and the family. Pastor Thompson was a great communicator to his congregation.
Renee Harris - Feb 14, 2022
So sorry for your loss Liz, he touched so many lives and was such a kind man.
Trish Buchanan - Feb 14, 2022
So sorry to hear of Rogers passing! I had been deeply touched by Liz and him as a short term caretaker. Forever in my heart! God Bless You Liz, your angel will always be looking out for you!
- Feb 14, 2022
Great man i enjoyed short time with and I learned alot about him from my wife as he reaches heaven 🙏 prayers for his wife and family God bless
Carrie and Billy Weiss - Feb 14, 2022
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Pastor Thompson. Liz and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Rose Pittenger - Feb 14, 2022
He was a wonderful man. He was there for my mother and father in law. People they knew him was really blessed. Prayers for his family and friends
Ross Butzin - Feb 14, 2022
Mike, so sorry to hear about your dad. He is in the arms of the Lord and his suffering is done. Hope you take solace in that.
Bill and Debbie Poths - Feb 14, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Pastor Thompsons passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Amy Armatrout Kessler - Feb 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor. I have fond memories of him and Barney from my childhood. Prayers for all of you.
Janet Jamison-Dawson - Feb 13, 2022
Liz and families, sorry to hear of Pastors passing. Always enjoyed his sermons. Prayers to everyone. 🙏🙏
