Deacon Charles L Thompson, Sr.

Charles Lee Thompson, Sr. was born July 15, 1939 to his parents Mr. Jake and Mrs. Rebecca Thompson in Selma, Alabama. He was the third of nine children born to this union. Affectionately known as “Chuck,” he accepted Christ at New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. C.E. Ward, Jr. He served faithfully as a deacon, bus driver, and in maintenance. Charles attended Mattie T. Blount High School in Mobile, AL, where he was an outstanding basketball player. In 1961, he graduated from Cedar Grove Academy in Mobile, AL. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in Champaign, IL, where he studied Labor Law. In 1962, Charles, Sr. enlisted in the United States Army where he served as an Ammunition Specialist. He met his soulmate, Dorothy Deloris Johnson, in Mobile, Alabama. On January 13, 1963, they married and to their union are three children: Otis L. Thompson, Cheryl D. Thompson, and Charles L. Thompson, Jr. 

Later, he joined Metropolitan Baptist Church in Gary, IN, where he also served as a deacon under the leadership of his son, Rev. Dr. Charles L. Thompson, Jr. He later joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN, and served as a deacon under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles L. Thompson, Jr. He was most known for giving fiery, spiritual, and fervent prayers during devotion. He worked at Inland Steel for over 30 years as a keeper in the 7 Blast Furnace where he received numerous 7 Tops Awards during his tenure at Inland Steel. He later retired from Inland Steel to care for his wife, Dorothy. Charles, Sr. enjoyed coaching for Anderson Little League and Gary Youth Baseball. He was an avid golf player and he adored spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and attending family reunions. He is most remembered for his outgoing personality and giving words of wisdom.

Charles L. Thompson, Sr. passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Methodist Hospital – Southlake Campus in Merrillville, IN. He was 82.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jake and Rebecca Thompson; daughter Cheryl D. Thompson; brothers R.C. Thompson, William Thompson, Robert Thompson, Otis Thompson and David Thompson; sister Loucreasie Thompson and Godson Tarius Simes. 

Charles leaves to cherish his memories his children Rev. Otis L. (Patrice) Thompson  of Gary, IN and Rev. Dr. Charles L. (LaShonta) Thompson, Jr. of Gary, IN; grandchildren Donta M. (Lakiyah)Thompson and Keshia Thompson both of Houston, TX, Charles L. Thompson, III, Cameron Thompson, Sean Thompson, and Dallas Thompson, all of Gary, IN; great-grandchildren Donta L. Thompson, and Aniya Thompson, both of Houston, TX, and Skyler Thompson of Gary, IN; brothers Roy Thompson and Mose Thompson both of Gary, IN; sister-in-law Geraldine Thompson of Gary, IN; special Godchildren Kathy Hughes, Tomeka Varnado and Tavonte Hughes all of Gary, IN; special friend James Derico of Gary, IN and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

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