Paul James Thompson

Paul James Thompson Paul J. Thompson, 75 , of 623 Wendy Way, Franklin, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, April 26, 2010. Born March 3, 1935 in Butler, he was the son of the late Harry T. and Marie Einsporn Thompson, Sr. Mr. Thompson attended Butler High School. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church where he served on Church Council and was also a member of the Church Choir. He was a member of Victory Lodge No. 694, the F. & A.M. of Butler, and the Oil City Chapter of Isaak Walton League of America. He worked 37 years on the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Penn-Central Railroad and Conrail. He started his railroad career on the track gang, then worked as a fireman and as an engineer. He was promoted to road foreman of engines, then promoted to assistant trainmaster and then was promoted to trainmaster in Oil City and Meadville. Mr. Thompson loved to fish and hunt before his health began to fail. He was married on May 12, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Butler to the former Florence J. Michael, who survives. In addition to his wife, Mr. Thompson is survived by his daughter, Brenda Lee Johnson and her husband, Carl, of Franklin; and a son, Marshall P. Thompson and his wife, Cynthia, of Louisville, Ohio. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Patrick Thompson and his wife, Ashley, of Franklin, Michael Ferringer of Stoneboro, Andrew and Daniel Thompson of Louisville, Ohio, Rachel Ann Lenhart of Franklin, one great-grandson, Tyler Thompson of Franklin, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Jean Thompson and a brother, Harry Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Margaret, and his in-laws, Charles and Frances Michael. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 29 at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, April 30, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Sandra K. Jones, presiding. Interment will follow in Franklin Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 325, Franklin, PA 16323 and/or the Lutheran Service Society, 3171 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.