Leonard G. Thompson

Leonard G. Thompson, of Hesperia was born to George “Ted” and Della Thompson in Volney, Michigan on January 25, 1929.  Leonard would have celebrated his 91st birthday on Saturday.

He married the love of his life, Esther (Dutcher).  They were married 48 years until her passing on March 8, 1999.  They raised four children, Connie (Scott) Jarvis, Steve (Wendy) Thompson, Sherry Reaume and Terri (Steve) Laisure.  They had great joy in their fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  He was lovingly referred to by them as Poppy. Besides his wife, Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, two half-siblings, Howard and Betty, infant son, Joseph and infant great-granddaughter, Emma.

He served in the Army during the Korean War and was very proud to have served his country.  Leonard was employed by Gilliand Transfer in Fremont for over thirty years.  Leonard and Esther also owned and operated Samuels Restaurant from 1967-77.  It wasn’t just a livelihood, they built many lifelong friendships there.

Leonard had a gentle demeanor and kind spirit.  He was never one to raise his voice and always saw the good in people and spoke well of them.  He was always eager to help in any way he could.

Visitation  is held Sunday, January 26th from 6-8 pm at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby.  The funeral service for Leonard will be held Monday, January 27th, 11 am at Fremont Christian Church - Disciples of Christ, 10 East Elm Street  with Pastor David Dickinson officiating.  Interment will be in East Hesperia Cemetery in the spring.  Please consider Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441 as a memorial.

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