Ralph Harmon Thompson
Ralph Harmon Thompson, 88, of Philipsburg, died at Windy Hill Village in Philipsburg, on Saturday February 1, 2014.
Born September 19, 1925, in West Decatur, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Lula (McDowell) Thompson.
He was Protestant by faith. He was an army veteran of World War II where he served in the European Theater and was a prisoner of war. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for going out under fire to rescue a fellow soldier during the invasion of Italy. In 1965, he established the Pike Coal Company of which he was owner and operator until his retirement.
On January 10, 1964 he married Janice Marie Wrye of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania. He was a Lifetime Member of the Philipsburg Elks Club, a life associate member of the F.O.P., Bald Eagle Lodge #51 and enjoyed hunting, fishing, canning and running his fruit and vegetable stand. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife Janice of 50 years, his three sons, Gregory Alan Thompson of Johnstown, Pa, Ralph Kevin Thompson and his wife wife Kristen of York, Pa and Dennis Thompson and his wife Sherry of Houtzdale, Pa. Also, his sister Muriel Kyler, sister in law Yvonne Thompson, brother in law Jackson Wrye, sister in law Diane (Wrye) James and her husband Robert. As well as five grandchildren, Sean, Hannah, Katelyn, Jennifer and Jordan, two great grandchildren Aubrey and Domanic and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lula, sisters, Doris, Bernice and Irene and brothers Clinton, Leo, Charles, Fred, Robert, Roland, Burtis and Leroy. Also, his son Bradley Kent Thompson in 1994.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2014, from 2 – 6 p.m. at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, Philipsburg. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11 am at the funeral home with Rev. William R. Walker officiating.
Ralph will be laid to rest at the Philipsburg Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home by members of the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard. The family request memorial donations be made to a charity of the donors choice.
On-line condolences may be sent at www.beezerheathfh.com
