Joseph Maurice Thompson

Joseph Maurice Thompson, 70, of Frankfort, Michigan, entered Paradise on January 11, 2022. As the Lord said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). Joe was born and raised in Indianapolis, where he graduated in 1969 from Thomas Carr Howe High School. He then attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, earning Bachelor's degrees in Earth Science and Biology (1973) and a Master's degree in Education (1980). In 1976, he began teaching at Shenandoah School Corporation in Middletown, Indiana, where he was a beloved and respected teacher of science and coach of the wrestling, football, and track teams. He retired in 2014 after 38 years of inspiring and motivating thousands of students. Joe was also a Troop Leader and Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America for many years, as well as a devoted member at Saint Ambrose and Saint Mary's in Anderson, Indiana; Tri-County Christian Church in Middletown, Indiana; and Blaine Christian Church in Arcadia, Michigan.

But the accomplishment Joe was most proud of was his family. He had three sons and nine grandchildren with his former wife Vannessa: Steven (Tricia) and daughters Jemma and Clara of Middletown, Indiana; Andrew (Ashley Severt) and children Charisma, Joseph, Liam, Wyatt, and Connor of Statesville, North Carolina; and Adam (Jess Marley) and daughters Annabell and Aliza of Traverse City, Michigan. Joe loved watching his grandchildren grow up and feed his boys some of their own medicine.

In 2010, he met his beloved wife, Linda. They married in 2014 and moved to Frankfort, Michigan, where they have the farm in the woods they always wanted. This was how he spent the final 10% of his life, a tithe provided by God for living as a good and faithful servant. Joe loved Linda's two daughters and three grandchildren: Helen (Matt) Caverson and daughter Faith of Kingsley, Michigan; and Juliana (Kevin) Gates and children Charmaine and Ezekiel of Grawn, Michigan.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Ann Wampler; his father, Richard Maurice Thompson; his niece, Lauren Thompson; and his nephew, Chris Alstott.

In addition to his children, grandchildren, and wife, Joe is survived by his sister, Cindy Alstott of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother Richard (Annette) Thompson and children Jason, Jackie, Amanda, Stephanie, and Kasie of Indianapolis, Indiana; and brother Dennis Thompson and daughters Melissa and Katie of Greenwood, Indiana. Fond memories of Joe will be cherished by many other friends and family in Indiana and Michigan, as well as his students everywhere.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22, at 2 p.m. at Shenandoah Middle School with Pastor Marty Ballard officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  The public may enter at door six on the eastside of the building.  Masks are required. Services have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Joe at www.ballardandsons.com