Obituary for Ben Thompson

Thompson, Ben Wesley, passed away December 17, 2017. His spirit left us to join his
beloved Marcia Ruth, his "Angel on Earth.” At the age of 94, he had lived a long and full life.
On May 1st, 1923, Ben was born the youngest of 7, in Owensville, Indiana, to Amelia and Charles Thompson, an insurance salesman and hobbyist at collecting arrowheads. He met his childhood sweetheart, Marcia Gordon, in 1937. In 1946, Ben and Marcia eloped to Gatlinburg, TN. Ben spent much of his time nurturing his own Indian Artifact collection, supported by his numerous jobs; Donut shop owner, Tour Bus Guide, Dog Breeder, Clock factory worker, and Chrysler Corporation Quality Engineer. After 30 years, Ben retired from Chrysler at the age of 55. He then collected Indian relics full time. He and Marcia traveled the south and midwest, going to Indian shows. Through the years he was involved in numerous organizations such as; the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Kirkwood Park Board. He proudly had a Kentucky Colonel Declaration, and was on the Board of Directors at the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society and Central States Archeological Society. He was also an Editor and Business Manager of Central States Archeological Society. With his entrepreneurial instinct, eventually he was able to do what we all strive for; provide for his family by doing what he loved. At the end of his self-made career, Ben sold his collection at the Santa Fe Indian Auction in 2010. He and Marcia moved to a villa at Friendship Village. After Marcia’s passing, he lived in the apartments there. Recently, Ben passed away in their care surrounded by family. He will be missed.
Ben was preceded in death by his wife of more than 65 years, Marcia Ruth (Gordon) Thompson,
and six siblings; Jack Thompson, James Thompson, Russell Thompson, Buelah Thompson, Georgia Montgomery, and Jomary Boren.
Ben is survived by his children; Joseph (Debbie) Thompson and Rachel (Beth) Thompson, four grandchildren; Nicholas (Michelle), Luke (Paola), Sean (Caroline), and Ashley (Brandon), as well as, four great-grandchildren.
On January 13th, 2018, at 12 noon, a Viewing and Memorial Celebration will be held at Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood, MO, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben’s name can be made to the Hospice at Saint Anthony’s Hospital.