Robert E. Thompson Jr.

Robert E. Thompson Jr. of Odessa passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at the age of 73.

Robert was born September 28, 1949 in Ithaca, son of the late Robert E. and Clara (Payne) Thompson Sr. He took great pride in being a Vietnam Veteran and serving with the US Army. Furthermore, he was a Print Machine Operator for Wilcox Press, a self-taught war historian and history buff; he seemed to know all the answers to any war trivia question posed. An avid walker with his dog, he enjoyed nature and being outdoors; always stopping to take in its amazing views. Additionally, he had a love for classic cars, enjoyed watching NASCAR races and old 1950s films. He was a hobby artist in his earlier years. He painted some landscapes that he’d think up, using oil paints he had mixed himself from pigments and oils. Fondly noted, he painted the race car numbers on his father’s car for a race at Watkins Glen.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sharon; his children, Cristina (Robert) Mitchell, Corey (Jaime) Thompson and Courtney (Matthew) Pursell; step-children, Lisa (John) Donahue, Christopher Goodie, Carol (Kevin) Jackson and Tammy (Richard) Thomas; grandchildren, Chelsie, Colleen and Caitlin Kelley, Jordan Mitchell, Devin (Miranda Smith) Thompson, Brice and EV Thompson, Cayla, Alona and Noah Pursell; 12 additional grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; a sister, Diane (Roland) Emmons and niece: Kelly (Doug) Pollock. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his stepson, Timothy Henry.

A Graveside service will be held for close friends and family on Wednesday September 13, 2023, 10:00am at NYS Veterans Cemetery – FLX, formerly known as Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 6632 NY-96A, Romulus, NY 14541.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Schuyler County SPCA, PO Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865 in memory of Robert.