LaVerne Raymond Thompson Jr., 57, of Compton, passed away Friday, December 27, 2019, surrounded by family and friends, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Vern was born August 19, 1962 in Aurora, the son of LaVerne Sr. and Judy (Stauffer) Thompson. He married Gail Wiley on May 31, 2013.
After graduating from Sandwich High School, Vern opened his own auto repair shop, Vern’s Auto, in Sandwich. Most recently, he worked as a diesel mechanic for Groot Sanitation. Vern served as an EMT and fireman for the Sandwich, Plano, Paw Paw, and, currently, Compton Fire Department. In his younger years, he enjoyed driving stock cars. He loved to sing gospel music and was currently singing bass for the Assemblymen out of Rockford. Vern was a kind, generous, and strong man. He was loved by all who knew him.
Vern is survived by his wife, Gail Wiley Thompson; children, Emily (Jesse) Morgan, Tim (Megan) Thompson, and Katie (Patrick) Thompson; step-children, Chris (Kristin) Beyers and Jen Beyers; grandchildren, Timmy Thompson, Lola Thompson, and Eugene Morgan; step-grandchildren, Augustus Gererd Beyers, Llewyn James Burke, and one on the way, Charolette Beyers; siblings, Paul (Trena) Thompson, Ann (Corey) Wiborg, and David, Bill, and John Bart; and his father, LaVerne (June) Thompson Sr.
Vern is preceded in death by his mother, Judy Baker; step-father, Robert Baker; and an infant brother, Duane Thompson.
Cremation care has been provided. A memorial service will be held at 6 P.M. Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Ave. in Paw Paw with Pastor Dave Holden officiating. Memorial visitation will be from 2 P.M. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Vern’s name may be made to the Paw Paw and Sandwich Fire Departments Cadet Programs. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
Many heartfelt condolences to the entire family. We has an occasion or two where we saw Verne aiding those in need. He was a very dedicated and well-loved man. The world was a better place because of him. Love &prayers.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Vern was such a wonderful, kind and loving man. Jaron and I will never forget your racing stories, your smile and your beautiful voice. Rest in Peace…love to Gail and family.
I worked for Vern at his shop for years. He was a great boss,and a wonderful friend. I will always cherish our friendship. My deepest sympathy to his family.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Vern. His smile and laughter would light up a room. His love of music and of God showed every time he would sing. He will definitely be missed by all who knew him.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss his smiling face in the cantina when he sang you just knew he loved to sing and he loved the Lord. He will be sadly missed .God bless ,
So sorry fir your loss.
So so sorry for your loss. We are Vern Sr. cousins from Iowa. Prayers.
I remember Vern when he used to run the gas station in Sandwich, He was a great man and well liked. You will be missed
Vern was an amazing person. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sick a sad loss.. Condolences to family and friends. RIP my friend
Our deepest sympathy to the family. What a great guy. We’ll miss you my friend. Love, Annette & Dj
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
John and Nan Long
Vern was such a nice man. Gentle and always laughing and smiling. I was introduced to him through my husband Juan. He will be missed. Rest his soul.
So sorry to hear of this. My deepest sympathies to the family. Vern was a great guy.
Deepest sympathy
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