Harry R. (Butch) Thompson

Harry R. (Butch) Thompson was born on March 8, 1941 and passed away peacefully in the comfort of his loving home on January 8,2022. 

He was the loving and dedicated son of Harry and Trela (Roush) Thompson and is preceded in death by his siblings: James, Mary Jo and Tom.

Butch grew up on Fairview Street in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School in 1959. He served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam era. He was a member of the First Infantry Division “Big Red 1”. 

On May 21, 1966 he married Karen Dawn Kish in a beautiful candlelight ceremony at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in South Bend where he was a member. 

As a young boy he had a newspaper route for the South Bend Tribune. After returning from the Army, he was employed by Fruehauf, Wurlitzer and then in sales for the Nabisco company where he was affectionately known throughout the Michiana area as “The Cookie Man”. 

Some people have kids, but Harry lived for his children and was the proud father of Lisa Nicole (Highland Park, IL) and Todd Mathew (South Bend, IN). 

A self-taught artist, he loved sketching, vintage cars, classic movies, hats, homemade popcorn and sharing laughs and smiles with everyone he met.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gentle soul. 

He was a true people-person, loyal friend and great pal who adored children and animals.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews that he dearly loved. 

It gives us great comfort knowing our father will be at the Rainbow bridge reunited with so many love ones including our beloved fur babies: Muffin, Poppy, Tunce, Adolf, Tabasco, Winslow, Bandit, Ryne, and Wishbone.

Butch was a  kind man with a truly generous spirit who was able to lift up others and will be forever missed beyond words by his family.  Berry Berry Daddy, we will carry you in our hearts forever and ever … until the end of time!!! 

Donations in his memory may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital in Chicago, which was a cause very near and dear to his heart. He adored this wonderful organization for all the amazing work the dedicated and caring staff does to help children all over the world like the dear Alex and Caleb who he was so very touched by.

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Services are private. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.