John "Jack" Dempsey Thompson

John Dempsey Thompson (88) of Russellville, Kentucky was called home on November 9, 2015. He was born to Ulie John Dave Thompson and Zoda Thompson on August 13, 1927 in Pontiac, Michigan at the Oakland Hospital. Mrs. Thompson thought John was enough of a name for any child but, while listening to the promotions of the Al Tuney and Jack Dempsey fight on the radio the evening of his birth, decided that he needed to be given the name of Jack Dempsey. Subsequently, John was known as Jack and sometimes as Dempsey. John's family later moved to Dunmor, Kentucky where John attended Dunmor High School until graduation in 1946. He played basketball along with two cousins who were known for their skill on the court. He was drafted for WWII service in 1947 but did not serve. By 1949 the Korean Conflict was underway and John was drafted again and served on the front lines in such major battles as the Battle of Pusan Perimeter. Proudly he served his country as a telephone operator in the US Army Core of Engineers until 1951 when he was honorably discharged. Upon returning to the states, John met Betty Joyce Coe of Beechmont, Kentucky and they were married on January 16, 1954. John later completed two years of technical school in tool and die making while working with his father as part owner of the Thompson Mill. In the early 1960's John joined Emerson Electric from St. Louis, Missouri as an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement. John enjoyed tinkering with automobiles, fishing, boating and was known to have itchy feet which added to his love of travel. He shared his hobbies with anyone interested. He joined Dunmor Baptist Church in 1943 at the age of sixteen and practiced what he learned in Sunday School daily. John is survived by his wife, Betty and three girls; Pam Dycus (Atlanta, GA), Peggy Canler and husband Guy (Bowling Green, KY), Laura Deanna "DeeDee" Procter and husband Eric (Auburn, KY). His five grandchildren are Laura Martino, Jon Canler, Katie Canler, Jacob Procter and Joshua Procter and his three great-grandchildren are Julian, Giovanni and James. He is also survived by a brother, Carroll Wayne "Pete" Thompson and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Dunmor Baptist Church in Dunmor, KY. Visitation will be held from 9:00AM until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery with full military honors in Todd County following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dunmor Baptist Church or an organization of your choice. Funeral Home: Price Funeral Home, Inc. 252 E. Green St. Lewisburg, KY US 42256-0299