John Meeker Thompson, 81 of Fairbury passed away at 12 noon, Thursday, January 28, 2010 at OSF St. James-John Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac.

Funeral services will be 10 am, Monday, February 1, 2010 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury with Pastor Tom Krieger officiating. Burial will take place in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury with full military rites conducted by the Fairbury American Legion and VFW posts. Visitation will be 4 to 7 pm, Sunday, January 31, 2010 also at the memorial home in Fairbury.

John was born April 3, 1928 in Fairbury the son of C. Philip and Gladys (Meeker) Thompson. He married Anita (Russell) Walters on February 23, 1957 in Pontiac. She survives in Fairbury.

Also surviving are five sons; Gary (Sue) Thompson, Virginia Beach, VA., Ron Thompson, Mt. Vernon, IL, Larry Thompson, Jerseyville, IL, Brian (Peggy) Thompson, Kalamazoo, MI, Darren Thompson, Tempe, AZ, one daughter; Julie Thompson, Ely, NV, three sisters; Marilyn Rice, Morton, JoAnne (George) Myers, Fairbury, Phyllis Runyon, Fairbury and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter; Vicki Lynn Thompson.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to the American Alzheimer's Association.

John was a 1946 graduate of Fairbury Twp. High School and served our country in the U.S. Army as a 1st Sergeant during the Korean War. If you were looking for John you could find him at Prairie Central Athletic events, McDonald's Family Restaurant, Fairbury or checking on the crops of his family farm in the Fairbury-Cropsey area. He was recognized in 2000 – 2001 as the Prairie Central "Hawk Fan" of the year. John was a friend to all and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.