Mr. Wilton Wayne Thompson Jr., 88, of Jacksonville, Illinois formerly of Galesburg died at 3:07 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2019, in Heritage Healthcare Center, Jacksonville, Illinois. Wilton was born in Davenport, Iowa; May 25, 1930, to Wilton W. and Gertrude (Shively) Thompson, Sr. He married Ruth Hall in East Peoria May 28, 1950. After 64 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on October 30, 2014. He is survived by two sons, Rodney Thompson and Wesley Thompson, both of Galesburg, two grandchildren, Sarah (Dustin) Cook, Teresita Thompson both of Jacksonville and one great-grandchild, Tiffany Spencer of Jacksonville. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son, Gregory Thompson, one daughter, Audrey Thompson, and one brother Richard Thompson. Wilton and his family moved around a lot during his childhood; most recently he has resided in Pekin, Galesburg, and Jacksonville. He graduated from East Peoria High School in 1948. After high school, Wilton worked as a Mechanical Engineer for WABCO for ten years, then for Comprehensive Designers for another 20 years before retiring in 1982. Wilton is a former member of Forrest Hill Methodist Church, Peoria and currently was attending the Grace Methodist Church in Jacksonville. He was very involved in the local boy scouts troop; leading the Expedition the 1969 Valley Forge Jamboree. He was also the Founding Director of the Pekin Main Street Program. Cremation will be accorded. Memorial Graveside service is planned for 10:00 am, Saturday, May 25, 2019, at East Linwood Cemetery with Rev. Lewis Woods officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to DD Homes-Thompson Home (where his sons live) Activity Fund. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
