John Ivan Thompson

John Ivan Thompson, 94, of Hampton, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019, peacefully with family by his side. He was born on January 5, 1925, in Lamont, Iowa, to George Levi and Iva May (Allen) Thompson. John graduated from Lamont High School and after spent a short time in the Navy. Then, he attended Iowa State University, where he was an active fraternity brother of Alpha Gamma Rho, and earned his Bachelor's degree in Agronomy. John was united in marriage to Betty Hiatt on November 5, 1954, in Clarion, Iowa. He co-owned the John Deere store in Hampton. John sold his shares and along with Betty, they built and ran the Trico Lanes Bowling Alley. He later became a field supervisor with Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance. John and Betty enjoyed hobbies such as houseboating on the Mississippi River and snowmobiling. Beyond his work, John, was an airplane pilot, a Shriner, a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, and one of the longest members of the Hampton Country Club. In retirement he enjoyed playing golf, several fishing trips every summer to Canada, caravanning across the U.S, international travels, and was an active member of the WBCCI Airstream Club. When he was not traveling Papa John could be found with his family attending his great grandchildren's ball games, Cub scout meetings, and fishing trips. He was also especially fond of having coffee every week day with his friends at the Rustic Brew. John is survived by his, son Scott Thompson of Bradenton, Florida, daughter Pamela Harper of Altamonte Springs, Florida, brother Jay (Elna) Thompson of Tallahassee Florida, grandson Michael Harper of Hampton, Iowa, granddaughter Susan Harper of Palm Harbor, Florida, great-granddaughter Brandis Baldwin of Ankeny, Iowa and her sons Kobe Watt and Roman Baldwin, great-granddaughter Tasha (Nicholas) Janssen of Oskaloosa, Iowa and their daughter Spencer Janssen, great-grandson Joshua Harper (Molly Berg) of Farmington, Minnesota, great grandson Jordan Harper of West Des Moines, nieces Lisa (Ernie) Hugo, Trish (Rick) Burgess, and Doug (Beth) Thompson. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Thompson and his parents George and Iva Thompson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to John's family.

Tributes

John Ivan Thompson

January 5, 1925 - July 31, 2019