COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Glenn W. (Tom) Thompson, Jr., 89, of Columbus, surrendered into God’s loving arms May 22, at Four Seasons Healthcare Center. He was born in Indianapolis June 8, 1931, to Glenn W. and Ann Louise (Schwaninger) Thompson.
Tom grew up in Columbus where he graduated high school in 1948. While attending DePauw University, he joined Phi Delta Theta, married his high school sweetheart, Ann McQueen, on March 25, 1951, and graduated with a degree in business in 1952.
After college, Tom managed movie theaters in Central Indiana including the Crump, Rio and Columbus Drive-In, the Elwood Theater, and the Artcraft in Franklin.
In 1957, Tom opened the Camera and Hobby Shop, operating it until his retirement in 1992. The popular photo-retail store was also well-known for its iconic slot-car racing tracks.
Tom is remembered for his generous, supporting nature, quick wit, kind words and infectious laugh. A comedian at heart, he enjoyed entertaining people. In high school, 1946, he created a band that parodied Spike Jones and the City Slickers. “Tom Thompson and His Junior City Slickers” performed at sold out venues throughout the Midwest and the East Coast during their college years, attracting the attention of Mr. Spike Jones who signed them to a performance contract.
Tom continued to entertain audiences at the After Prom parties held at Donner Center serving as emcee of a variety show with everything from jugglers and comedy acts to impersonators and rock bands. His leadership in the Jaycee’s Auditorium Series brought entertainers to Columbus including Bob Hope, Louie Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Victor Borge, and Ed Sullivan.
Tom was a member and past president of Rotary. He also served as chairman of the Bartholomew County Sesquicentennial committee, he was on the Board of Directors for Citizen’s Building and Loan, and a former member of Grace Lutheran Church serving on their Building Committee and Board of Elders. He also provided leadership at the School Foundation, City Park Board, and coached the Camera & Hobby Shop Little League baseball team.
Tom will be lovingly remembered by his son, Rick (Joyce) Thompson; daughter, Debbie (Pete) Vaky; and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Brown Thompson; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann; and son, Robert Thompson.
A life celebration will be Monday, June 14, 2021, at St. Peter’s Lutheran, 719 5th St., Columbus, where Tom was a member. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am.
Memorials may be made to St Peter’s Lutheran 719 5th Street, Columbus, IN 47201 or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th Street, Columbus, IN 47201.
The family is grateful for the nurses and staff at Four Seasons who lovingly cared for Tom.
Online condolences: barkesweaverglick.com
