Joseph Thompson

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (Ret) JOSEPH MORRIS THOMPSON TMC(SS) Joseph (Joe) M. Thompson was born on December 28, 1925 in Bayou Boudreaux, LA to William Emmett and Virginia Lonadier Thompson. He was a resident of Shady Grove, LA. Following a lengthy illness, he went home to the Lord on January 22, 2017 surrounded by his children at his son's residence in Provencal, LA. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Joe followed his two brothers into military service when he was just sixteen years old. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy for twenty-three years as a Torpedoman’s Mate and as Chief Torpedoman on numerous submarines during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Cuban Missile Crisis. During his career, he served on the S41, USS Mingo (SS-261), USS Clamagore (SS-343), USS Harter (SS-568), USS Trumpetfish (SS-425) and others. He retired on August 15, 1967 while serving on the USS Alexander Hamilton (SSB-617). While serving his country, he, like most sailors, had many ports of call such as Cuba, Italy, Spain, Australia and the North Atlantic. He saw many noteworthy and awe inspiring if not heart rending sights such as the Mushroom Cloud through the submarine periscope when the Atomic Bomb was detonated over Hiroshima. Joe’s military awards include Good Conduct Medal (sixth award) World War II Occupational Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. After retirement from the Navy, he and his wife, Lessie Mae Banes Thompson, settled in Provencal, LA where they raised their family. He worked as an electrician with many of the plywood plants in the area before going off-shore. Joe loved the Lord, loved to preach and spread the gospel. He had a strong faith which he shared with his family every chance he had. He always had a garden and enjoyed wood working when he was able. He is survived by his wife, Mary Price Thompson of Shady Grove, children: Joseph R. (Sharon) Thompson of Blanchard, LA; Joseph Charles “Chuck” (Debra) Thompson of Provencal, LA; Darlene (Kennith) Hargrove of DeRidder, LA; Laura Ivy of Robeline, LA; Ginger (Will) Williams of Fort Polk, LA; Marie Buxton of Coldwater, LA; and Jay Thompson of Kaufman, TX; step-sons: Ricky (Cindy) Price of Shady Grove, LA and Ronnie Price of Shady Grove, LA; step-daughter: Renee Broadway of Jena, LA; 23 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Lessie Mae Banes Thompson, infant daughter, Cynthia Lynne Thompson, first wife, Cora Charlcie Lonadier; mother and father: William Emmett and Virginia Thompson Lonadier; brothers: William Alvin “Son” Thompson and Roy J. Thompson; sisters: Lottie Ham, Gracie Cobb and Nellie Mae Beatty. Visitation will be Thursday, January 26, from 5-10 p.m. at Provencal Baptist Church. Funeral services for Joseph M. Thompson will be held on Friday, January 27, at 2 p.m. at Provencal Baptist Church in Provencal, LA officiated by Bro. Wesley Jackson. Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons: Steven Thompson, Joseph C. Thompson Jr., Skylar Thompson, Michael Sims, Patrick Sims and Michael Watts. Interment with full military honors will be held immediately following the ceremony at Provencal Cemetery. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Kim Ann Brister, Ms. Elaine, Ricky King and Hospice of Natchitoches for the wonderful care they gave our dad. Our sincere thanks to the Patriot Riders and the Combat Vets for honoring our dad. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” II Timothy 4:7