Ronald Lee Thompson

     Ronald Lee Thompson, of Salladasburg, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 7 at home surrounded by his family.  He was born Aug. 1, 1931, the youngest son of Clair D. Thompson and Annie L. Kissell Thompson.  Ronnie was a graduate of the Jersey Shore High School, class of 1949. He played varsity football for 3 years and played his senior year with the members of the ‘49 championship team.    He was named to the state’s Honorable Mention team for his skills as left tackle.
     On March 17, 1951, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Cohick. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last March. Ron and Carolyn attended many high school class of ‘49 reunions, on which Ron served as treasurer.
     Ron was a longstanding member of the Salladasburg United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee for many years. He also served for many years on the Salladasburg Borough Council, and was President for several years. He was a member of the La Belle Vallee Lodge No. 232, the Williamsport Consistory, and the Jersey Shore Order of Elks #1057.
     Ron was also a life member of the Texas and Blockhouse Fish and Game Club, where he served as a President and a member of the board.
     Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman, with his favorite being Spring gobbler season. He loved being outdoors, spending countless hours sitting on the deck of "the shanty," his favorite outdoor retreat, watching the animals.
     His hobbies also included playing cards, especially with his poker club, attending Penn State football games for over 55 years as a season ticket holder, watching NASCAR, and most importantly spending time with family at various outings.
     After graduating high school, Ron joined his father in the family meat business. Years later, along with his brothers, Howard and Richard, he became a co-owner of Clair D. Thompson & Sons Meat Packing Company. Ron, along with a German born employee, developed the recipes for the Thompson hot dogs and bologna.
     Ronnie is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his children Ronna Lee Thompson (Donald Faulkner), of Beech Creek, and Dennis C. Thompson (Robin), and Carol T. Barrows (Keith), both of Jersey Shore.  He is also survived by a grandson Gregg H Smith (Cindy), of Myerstown; and seven granddaughters, Sara Smith, of Pine Creek, Rose Dodd (Sam), of Bastress, Cassandra Pick (Dan), of Center Hall, Alicia Thompson of Sarasota, Fla., Susan Phillips (Dylan), of North Bend, Victoria Auzenne (Daniel), of Lansing, Ill., and Rebecca Giovannacci, (David) of Purcellville, Va.; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Calista Smith, Cassadi, Gunnar, and Eva Dodd, Clara and Boyd Pick, Charlotte, Violet, and Andrea Phillips; and a great grandson on the way.
     He is also survived by his brother, Richard C (Sharon), of Trout Run; sister-in-law, Connie Whitehill; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Claramae Glunk, all of the Pine Creek area. Also, a brother-in-law, Ted Dwyer, of Delaware; and numerous nephews and nieces.
     In addition to his parents and his in-laws, Lewis and Clara Cohick, he was predeceased by his brothers, John (Jack) and Howard; sisters-in-law, Ruby, Jane, Joan Thompson, and Cynthia Dwyer; and a brother-in-law, Budd Whitehill.
     Special thanks to his caregivers, Nancy Chung, Danielle Laubach, and Doris Hamilton for the excellent care that he received in his final years. Thanks also to Family Hospice of Susquehanna.
     A visitation for Ronald will be held at the Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, 125 N Main St, Jersey Shore, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.  There will be a Life Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.at the Salladasburg United Methodist Church, 310 Main St, Salladasburg. Rev. Mark Beard, Hospice Chaplain, and Rev. Cecily Eisley from the Salladasburg Charge will officiate. Interment will follow at the Salladasburg Cemetery.
     In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Salladasburg United Methodist Church, 366 Main St, Salladasburg, PA 17740.
 

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