FAYETTEVILLE — Jack E. Thompson

of Fayetteville passed away peacefully in the early hours of June 21, 2023, with his wife by his side. He was receiving compassionate care at Willard Walker Hospice House following a stroke.

Jack was born October 28, 1938, in the Trident Community in northwest Washington County. He was the son of Walter Joel Thompson and Girdia Mae Jarrell Thompson. He is predeceased by his parents and brother Donald Merrell Thompson as well as infant brother George and minor sister Alene. He is survived by his wife Joyce Drain Thompson of the home; son James L. Thompson of the Trident Community; daughter Michelle Caesius-Martinez and her husband Oscar Martinez of Elgin, Illinois; and three grandsons, Colton Dane Caesius and Garrett Jaxon Martinez both of Elgin, and Blaize Halden Caesius of Chicago, Illinois. Other survivors include his twin brother Walter J. Thompson of Trident, brother Thomas D. Thompson of Mississippi, sister Ruth Reed of Siloam Springs and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Jack graduated from Siloam Springs High School where he was active in sports, then attended the University of Arkansas for a time until he decided he did not enjoy academic life. He remained a lifelong sports enthusiast. For a number of years, he played amateur baseball, primarily as a pitcher, and continued his passion for baseball as a devoted Cardinals fan. Of course, he also rooted for the Razorbacks in all sports. He also enjoyed numerous outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and hunting arrowheads and other artifacts.

Jack joined the Free and Accepted Masons fraternal organization in 1961 and was a member of both Cincinnati Lodge No 102 and the Winslow Lodge. He was active in the Masons as long as his health permitted. After serving in all offices of Cincinnati No 102, he settled in as Secretary of the Lodge for many years. For a time he also served as a Certified Lecturer (teacher) of the Masonic rituals and enjoyed helping several others to become members.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville with cremains to be interred at Pinnacle Cemetery in Madison County at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2023 with Masonic funeral rites.

Per Jack’s preference, there will be no funeral, but only a gathering of friends and family at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pinnacle Cemetery, c/o Larry Vanlandingham, 106 Madison 6085, Elkins, Ark. 72727. Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com