Richard C. Thompson

Richard C. Thompson of Newton Twp. died Friday morning at Moses Taylor Hospital. His wife of 61 years is is the former Loretta Schultheis.

A lifelong resident of Newton Twp., he was the son of the late Robert J. and Hazel Bellersheim Thompson. Before retirement, he was a self-employed farmer in Newton and Florida, as well as the owner-operator of Dick Thompson's Septic Tank Cleaning. He was a social member of VFW Post 7069, Clarks Summit.

He was an avid hunter in Newton and loved to hunt with his sons and grandsons. He always looked forward to the first day of hunting season. He was known for his barbecued chicken on Sundays with his family and friends, for which he earned the nickname name "The Colonel."

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Dr. Diakiw and Moses Taylor Hospital for their care and compassion.

Also surviving are two sons, Richard and wife, Paula, Newton; and Kevin and wife, Debbie, Newton; a daughter, Kathy Schwartztrauber and husband, Donald, Newton; a brother, Robert Thompson and wife, Veronica, Newton; a sister, Leona Pallman, Clarks Summit; five grandchildren, Mark Cummings and wife, Sarah; Dawn Hnat and husband, Kyle; Josh Schwartztrauber; Daniel Thompson and Bradley Thompson; three great-grandchildren, Dylan and Jordan Cummings, and Jacob Thompson; many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Brower.

The funeral will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, with services by the Rev. Dr. Jean-Pierre Duncan, pastor of the Countryside Community Church. Interment will be in Newton Cemetery.

Friends may call Monday, 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411; or Countryside Community Church Building Fund, 14001 Church Hill Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.