Herbert Eugene “Ponnie” Thompson
1931 – 2016
Herbert Eugene “Ponnie” Thompson, 85, of Ravenswood, WV, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully on his way to heaven Sunday, May 8th 2016.
He was born April 9, 1931 in Webbville, KY to the late Grover Cleveland and Belva Dean Thompson. He was a graduate of Webbville High School where he excelled in basketball, was a Korean War era U.S. Army Veteran, a graduate of Ashland Vocational School with a certificate in Welding, a card carrying Millwright, a Master Mason and 50-year member Brother of #626 Willard Masonic Lodge, a little league baseball coach and assistant Scoutmaster to his three Eagle Scout sons. He built his own house in Ravenswood, WV, enjoyed bluegrass music, family reunions, traveling, camping and dearly loved his University Kentucky Wildcat basketball. He worked for Century Aluminum, aka Kaiser Aluminum, retiring after 34 years and was a member of the Antiquity Baptist Church in Racine, Ohio.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Martha (Marty) Roberts Thompson of Ravenswood, WV, their three sons; Michael Eugene Thompson (Ginger) of Lexington, KY, Herbert Gregory Thompson (Jennifer) of Columbus, GA, David Webb Thompson (Matthew) of Columbus, OH and their daughter, Lisa Dean Hellyer (Chet) of Mt. Alto, WV. Eight grandchildren, Lyndsay Michelle Thompson, Joshua Michael Thompson and Hunter Stephen Thompson all from Lexington, KY, Jason Gregory Thompson (Rebecca) and Rebecca Hope McKinney (Tate) both from Columbus, GA, Rachel Francis Hellyer, Chadwick Dean Hellyer and Molly Lynn Hellyer all from Mt. Alto, WV. Seven great grandchildren; Kaitlyn Gaige Thompson, Hazen Gregory Thompson, Lillian Genevieve Thompson, Ryder Tate McKinney, Harper Hope McKinney, and Angels Adelyn Hope McKinney and Cooper Tate McKinney who preceded their Great Papa, all from Columbus, GA.
The 3rd youngest child born to the late Grover Cleveland and Belva Dean Thompson of Webbville, KY, he had four brothers and five sisters. He is survived by one brother, David Thompson (Frances) of Canal Winchester, OH and one sister, Phyllis Fyffe (Jessie) of Webbville, KY. He always told Dave and Phyllis that “the last one will have to turn the lights off.” He was preceded in death by brothers, Grover “June” Thompson of Webbville, Ky, Charles Thompson of Mt. Sterling, KY and Paul Thompson (Louise) of Catlettsburg, KY and sisters; Emogene Bayes (John) of Willard, KY, Kathlene Webb (Clynard) of Grants, NM, Garnet Carroll of Myrtle Beach, SC and Glenna “Sissy” Wallin of Aberdeen, MD.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Thursday, May 12th at Young Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Roberts Cemetery, Fallsburg, Ky.
Visitation will be 10:00 am until time of service on Thursday.
