Submitted by: Dan Rich

Thomas C. Thompson

March 4, 1958 - Jan. 30, 2008

South Bend Tribune 2/1/2008
OSCEOLA - Thomas C. Thompson, 49, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, January 30, 2008. Thomas was born March 4, 1958, in South Bend, to Jerry L. and Mary Lou Thompson. His was preceded in death by his father Jerry on May 9, 2001.

On September 13, 1997, Tommy married the former Susan Kaczynski, who survives. Also surviving Tommy are his mother, Mary Lou Thompson of South Bend; a brother, Scott (Susan) Thompson of Granger; a sister, Jennifer (Sterling) Leonard of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; a brother, Patrick Thompson of South Bend; a sister, Suellen Thompson of Mishawaka; a nephew, Michael Thompson; and niece, Molly Thompson of Granger; and a niece, Chloe Dubuisson of Pensacola, Florida. Also surviving are his father and mother-in-law, Gene and Marlene Kaczynski of South Bend; brother-in-law, Michael (Carla) Kaczynski of Osceola; a sister-in-law, Judy Zehendner of South Bend; nephews, Nicholas Kaczynski and Zachary Zehendner; and nieces, Cassy and Keetsy Kaczynski.

Tommy was a loving, caring son, brother, uncle and husband who was treasured by all who knew him. He attended John Adams High School, and for many years worked in a landscaping and snow removal business. A lifelong musician, Tommy was a charismatic and talented singer, guitarist and songwriter who fronted the popular local bands The Kinetics and The Benders. Accompanied by his high school buddy Lee Madison on lead guitar, The Kinetics were one of the most acclaimed bands ever to emerge from this area. From 1983 to 1995, the group played everywhere from Myrtle Beach to Milwaukee, headlining in clubs and theatres, and opened shows for many major acts, including Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Robin Trower, Mitch Ryder, Tommy James and The Romantics. Since 1995 Tommy and Lee had fronted The Benders, a popular fixture on the local music scene, playing an entertaining mix of spirited, eclectic classic rock covers and Tommy's own original songs, crafted in the rock-and-roll tradition of Chuck Berry and John Fogerty. In addition to his music, Tommy loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, often traveling to his favorite locations with his good friend Tom McFarland. Tommy was also well-known for his cooking talents: he created his own sauces, and when combined with his specialties of shrimp, scallions, jalapeno burgers and barbecue chicken wings, he had to field the inevitable question from all of his guests: "Why don't you open a restaurant?" His response was always: "That's too much work!" In all situations, Tommy brought laughter, joy and happiness to the lives of everyone he touched.

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 2 to 8 PM this evening in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday preceding burial at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544.