Benjamin F. Thompson, Jr., 95, of Springfield, passed away August 8, 2026. He was born on July 9, 1931, in Ridgway, PA. He graduated from Penn State University, with a degree in Journalism and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was also the Senior Manager of Penn State Football Team. He married Marcia in 1958, and they were married for 68 years. They had three children, Cathy, Wayne and Sandy, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Following college, Ben spent 13 years in Industrial Sales in New England, Ohio, Indiana and Southern Illinois. Ben was twice elected to the School Board of the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township in Indianapolis and served three one-year terms as President of the Board. In later years, he earned a Nursing Home Administrative license at Indiana University Medical Center, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ben then transitioned from Corporate Sales to 29 years in Retirement Home Administration, serving ten years at the Franklin Indiana United Methodist Home and 19 years as the CEO at Kingswood United Methodist Retirement Community in Kansas City, MO. His ministry to seniors was his calling. He retired at age 70 in 2001. He and Marcia lived at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri for 11 years, where they enjoyed lake life, traveling in the United States, Canada, Mexico and parts of Europe before relocating to Springfield, MO to be closer to family.

Ben used his Journalism major writing short stories about Marcia and his travels, as well as special occasions in their lives. He spent seven years writing his life story, entitled “Always New Beginnings.” Ben was one of the founding members of the Heart of America Senior Olympics and the Missouri State Senior Games. He was an avid sports fan, supporting Penn State football and wrestling, Kansas City Chiefs football and Indiana University basketball.

Ben loved the Lord and became a Diaconal Minister of the United Methodist Church and served the Lord in many capacities. He was very devoted to his wife and family. Rarely a day went by that he was not in touch with them by text, phone, or email. When he was no longer able to travel, he enjoyed his Skylight picture frame and keeping up with his family’s various activities. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren on the water, fishing, playing croquet, attending their special events, and listening with great interest to their stories. Ben made everyone feel special. His humor and teasing continued throughout his life. He was quick to offer encouragement to all.

Marcia and family are especially grateful for the loving care he received at The Manor at Elfindale and from Preferred Hospice.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin F. Thompson, Sr. and Thora (Shaffer) Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; children Cathy (Jeff) Witter of Florida, Wayne (Dawn) Thompson of Missouri, and Sandy (David) Small of Florida, grandchildren Matthew (Stacy) Thompson of Indiana, Courtney (Paul) Tomsic of Florida, Carrie (Hunter) Scott of Arkansas, Katie (Mike) Kintz of Georgia, Mark Small of Georgia, Aaron (Fiancé Hanna Belan) Thompson of Indiana, Adam (Genna) Thompson of Florida, and Lauren Small of New Jersey. Great grandchildren Tristan, Tyler, Weston, Tanner, Harper, Colton, Caia, Asher, and Ainsley.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM, with Visitation from 10:30 – 11:30 AM, at Schweitzer Church. Private Family Entombment will be held in the Rivermonte Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Schweitzer Church for Flourish Community Development Corporation,

2747 E Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65804

Or

ACCESS Academy, made to AccessGroup, Inc., ,

10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211

(a school Ben’s Great Grandson with Special Needs attends)