John S. "Jack" Thompson

John S. "Jack" Thompson, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, December 14 at home. He was the loving husband of Betty Lou (Rehmeyer) Thompson with whom he had celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this past September 30th. Jack was born May 9, 1930, in Hametown, York County, a son of the late Llewelyn O. and A. Harriet (Richards) Thompson. He was a life-long, dedicated potato, grain and livestock farmer for over 50 years who especially loved growing potatoes for both potato chip companies and table stock at their farm stand – Thompson Potato Farm. In his earlier years, he was a truck driver for Shipley-Humble at night and farmed during the day. Jack was a life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hametown, where he had served as a member of the church council. He was also past president of the York County Potato Growers Association, and in 1991, he and his family were awarded the Outstanding Farm Family Award from the York Area chamber of commerce. Another honor included the York County 400 Bushel club (for potatoes) for many years. He also held memberships with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Southern York County Sportsmen's Club and the Shrewsbury Fire Company. Jack was a dedicated John Deere man, who would proudly talk about the various models and years of John Deere tractors and equipment he had owned over the years. More recently, he enjoyed keeping his lawn cut to perfection with his John Deere tractor. His other interests included collecting vatrious farm-related memorabilia, going to auctions and sales, watching NASCAR races and the RFD channel on TV and above all, being with his family. In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his children, Suzanne T. Norton and her husband, James of Glen Rock, John S. Thompson II and his wife, Dorothy of New Freedom, and Lisa H. Weitkamp and her husband, Bradley of Seven Valleys; grandchildren, Jessie Godfrey, Jacklyn Minnich, Lindsay Campbell and Grant Thompson; great-grandchildren, Marissa and Braelyn Godfrey. Jack was preceded in death by four brothers, Richard, Llewelyn, William and Frank Thompson; and three sisters, Ellen Jane Bentzel, Harriet Maxwell and Sara Ann Stine. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 18, at St. Paul (Hametown) Lutheran Church, 11894 Susquehanna Trail South, Glen Rock, with the Reverend Katie Brantner officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Friends may view on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. The J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc. of New Freedom is assisting the family. In Jack's memory, those who wish may make contributions to their favorite charity. The Thompson family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all of the nurses at Wellspan Dialysis and a special thank you to Dr. Mindy Noll for all of the care she gave to Jack. This wonderful man will be missed by his family so very, very much.