Jospeh Barton Thompson

Joseph Barton Thompson passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife of 57 years, Glenda Thompson and his daughter Catherine, while in Hospice of Chattanooga’s care at home in Cleveland, TN. Joe, as he was known to many is preceded in death by his father Joseph Bernard Thompson and his mother Margaret Brady Thompson both of Lebanon, Kentucky.
His survivors are Glenda Lasch Thompson, Catherine, sons: David Thompson (wife Lisa Thompson) and Christopher Thompson (wife Lori Lea Thompson), 7 grandsons, 2 great granddaughters and 1 great grandson.
Joe was a feisty, free-spirit who did things his own way. After serving in the Army, he went on to experience life wearing multiple hats. From driving a city bus in DC, to helping customers at Zayre Dept Store in Cleveland Ohio, to owning Thompson Family Portraits in Cleveland TN in the 70’s. He then tried his hand as a roustabout on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, only to find a passion for politics and publishing his own Weekly newspaper in Youngsville LA. He also had an auto parts store and auto repair garage. His talents were limitless and his final career was a heavy equipment mechanic working on the machines that build roads in New Orleans. He discovered an artistic side and was known for his ingenuity in creating less expensive versions of high dollar tools. He could draw and paint, he sang baritone in the choirs at St. Therese (Cleveland) and at St Ann’s (Youngsville). He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a president of Lions Club. He was an avid bowler later in life and really loved all of his bowling buddies. Most recently, he had taken to woodworking and made beautiful birdhouses, clocks, and furniture out of hardwood flooring. He always also had marigold seeds that he would randomly toss out the car window, to do his part to beautify this country.

His family and friends held a “Living Memorial” for him on St. Patrick’s Day this year because he wanted people to be able to see him in a happy time, and not at some sad funeral. He loved his party and he thought it was great.
A special thanks to Companion Funeral Home for being so helpful with the arrangements for Joseph Thompson.

Companion Funeral Home Cleveland Chapel is honored to assist the Thompson family with these arrangements.