TRAFALGAR
Donald Eugene Thompson, 69, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at his home in Trafalgar, Indiana surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Bob and Betty Thompson of Trafalgar on January 1, 1954. He was welcomed by 3 older brothers Ronnie, Gary and Stanley.
Don attended Nineveh Schools and was a 1972 graduate of Indian Creek High School. He married Lucinda (Ray) Thompson on July 28, 1973. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. After graduation he went on to work for Eli Lilly & Co. starting in a janitorial position and working his way up to a Utility Supervisor, retiring after 45 years of service in March of 2018.
He is survived by his beautiful bride, Lucinda Thompson of Trafalgar, his 4 children: 3 boys and 1 girl, and his 4 grandchildren: 3 boys, and 1 girl. His Sons are Gabriel Thompson of Bargersville, Daniel (Hope) Thompson of Nineveh, Chris (Jenny) Thompson of Trafalgar, and daughter Marcia (Tony) Zupancic of Morgantown. His 4 grandchildren include Kaylee, Tegan, Liam and Owen Thompson. He is also survived by a large and loving family including his mother Betty, his brother Stanley, the Thompson Family, the Ray Family, and entire Trafalgar community. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Thompson, his brother Ronnie Thompson and his brother Gary Thompson.
Don was a member of the Trafalgar Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, serving as chief for several years. He was the founder and owner of Thompson Lawn Care. Don enjoyed gardening, woodworking, mushroom hunting and pulling tractors. He taught himself to play the banjo and enjoyed listening to bluegrass music. Don loved playing sports in high school. He ran track, played football, received the 1970 Mid-Hoosier Conference All Star award for baseball. Don was proudly a part of the 1971 sectional winning baseball team where he played as the catcher. Don was the first player to ever score a touchdown for the newly formed Indian Creek High School. After his retirement, he enjoyed playing pickleball with his wife and friends in Florida and locally in Franklin.
His greatest accomplishments were by far his family and grandkids. He enjoyed spending time with them on countless vacations and camping trips. He absolutely adored his grandchildren! The role of “Papaw Don” as he was affectionately called was something that left him beaming. He loved spending time with them after school, playing with them in the yard, and he was their biggest fan in the stands at every sporting event year-round. Wherever his grandsons were and whatever they were into, Don was too!
Friends may call Wednesday, November 8 at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin, Indiana 46131 from 4-8 pm. A private family visitation will be held on Thursday, November 9 from 10-11:00am. His future resting place will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana.
In lieu flowers, the family has asked that you help support your local youth sports programs as Don did with your time and attention. Donations can be made in his honor to www.nhjef.org.
Donnie’s family has entrusted Indiana Funeral Care, Greenwood Chapel to handle arrangements.
