John Thompson

Glasford – John R. Thompson, 81, of Glasford died at 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at his home.
He was born August 21, 1933, in Monmouth to Carl J. and Helen L. (McLaughlin) Thompson.  He married Dixie D. Dunham on December 6, 1980, in Canton.  She survives.
Also surviving are five children, Lori (Randy) Mayberry of CA, Mike (Mary) Thompson of Alexis, Bill Thompson of Lemont, Kathie Thompson-Fulton of CA, and Shane Thompson of Glasford; one sister, Janet (Darrell) Russell of NM; four grandchildren, Lindsey Fulton, Carl Thompson, Breanna Thompson, and Jalen Worley; two nephews, Jon and Mark Johnson; and one niece, Jane Cruz.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
John was a 1955 graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and began his teaching career at Spoon River Valley.  In 1957, he took the position at Canton Junior High School, where he remained (Ingersoll Middle School) until his retirement in 1989.  John’s bands were renowned across the state, earning Division I ratings at IGSMA State music contest in each of his 32 years.
John was the longest serving band director in Canton history.  He earned his Master of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, in 1962.  He was recognized as a WIU Distinguished Alumni in 1976.
John always found great satisfaction in following his students’ lives beyond their junior high accomplishments, whether they pursued professional music/teaching careers or not.  He supervised countless student teachers and maintained contact over the years, following and supporting their endeavors in any way he could.
Although most know John as a musician, he was also an avid outdoors sportsman.  He enjoyed golf, and recently spent time at the driving range even though he was barely able to stand.  John was an accomplished fly-fisherman who enjoyed the intricate artistry of trying his own flies.  He made trips to Yellowstone National Park as often as circumstances allowed.  In his retirement, John raised Angus cattle, particularly show calves for youngsters, and was an active member of the Lamoine Valley Angus Association and the Illinois Angus Association.  He was a member of the American School Band Directors Association and the Canton First Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday evening, July 25, 2015, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Canton, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Burial of ashes will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning at the Alexis Cemetery in Alexis, IL.
Memorials may be made to Ingersoll Band, First Presbyterian Church in Canton, or to Don Bohlander Parkinson’s FundRACERS.
To view John’s tribute video, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com