LEWISTOWN, IL - Robert "Bob" Thompson, 81, of 12749 N. County Highway 9 died at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2001 in Lewistown.

Born Nov. 22, 1919, in rural Ipava to Earl and Sara Belle Rogers Thompson, he married Marjorie E. Rogers on Oct. 26, 1946, in Havana. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Brad of Elmwood; one daughter, Mrs. James (Jody) Thompson of Heyworth; two grandchildren; one brother, Herschel ''Dean'' (and Nancy) of Lewistown; and one sister, Mrs. Earl (Dora) Barker of rural Smithfield.

He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper in the Pacific Theater.

He was a farmer in Fulton County.

He was a member of Lewistown American Legion Post 1 and a charter member of Lewistown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5001, where he was past commander.

He was a member of Lewistown Masonic Lodge 104, Peoria Shrine Temple, Peoria Scottish Rite, Lewistown Odd Fellows Lodge and the Alligators Club.

He was a member of the Illinois and National Tractor Pulling Association, where he was known as the "Illinois Streaker."

He was a past member of the Lewistown Township Board of Trustees, the Fulton County Board and the Fulton County Fair and Racing Association.

He was a member of Illinois Street Christian Church in Lewistown.

Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by his Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts.

Journal Star (Peoria, IL) - Sunday, April 1, 2001

Robert L Thompson