Gary Thompson

Gary Patrick Thompson, 87, of Normal passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. He was born on April 27, 1939 in Normal to Paul and Katherine (Dodson) Thompson. On December 11, 1960 he married Lois Hershey, who preceded him in death in 2019.

Gary is survived by 3 children: Barbara A. Thompson of Bloomington, Susan E. Thompson of Normal and Gary P. (Kara) of Bloomington, 5 grandchildren: Isaac, Ian and Isaiah Perez and Corinne and Chloe Thompson, 2 brothers: Paul (Pam) Thompson II, and Steve (Janet) Thompson.

Gary was a 1957 graduate of Bloomington High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy where he proudly served as a submariner, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st class. He also worked for General Electric and Mitsubishi where he retired from in 2004. He was the past president of the Optimist club of Normal, was involved in the Submarine Veterans Peoria, Central Illinois Woodworkers club, American Legion post 635, Clamagore Veterans Association, and USS Robert E. Lee Veterans Association. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, gardening, reading, collecting stamps and submarine memorabilia and was a passionate stained-glass artist. He was a lifelong lover of pets, including his final cat, Tripp.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held on July 28, 5-7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Online condolences can be left at www.carmodyflynn.com