Dr. Marlin D. Thompson,72 of Ansonia, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville from complications for cancer and a stroke.
Dr. Thompson was well known as a champion for education, not just in Darke County but throughout Ohio. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University, a master's degree from Miami University and a doctorate of education from Ball State University. He spent 33 years in education, seven as a teacher and principal in Pauling County, Ohio, and thirteen years as superintendent of Ansonia Local Schools. He went on to serve as Darke County Superintendent of Schools for another thirteen years. During this time, he served as Ohio Local School Superintendent's Association president and spent many hours traveling to Columbus as an advocate for public schools. During his tenure as County Superintendent, Dr Thompson also founded the Darke County Hope Foundation, which provides charitable support in areas such as education, the arts, social services and other community projects. Dr. Thompson also was an active member of several community boards, including the Wayne Hospital Board of Trustees, Chamber of Commerce and Mental Health Board. He also played an active role in bringing a medical center to Ansonia.
Dr. Thompson retired from education in 1993 and began his own construction business, retiring again in 2002. He was a member of the Ansonia United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer for twenty years. He also served as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, chair of the Pastor/Parish Committee and co-chair of the Building Fund Committee.
Dr. Thompson resided just north of Ansonia and raised Belgian draft horses, and he and his wife, Shirley, gave carriage rides at Christmas and other special occasions. Although Dr. Thompson grew up on the Van Wert area, Darke County became his home. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and was a big fan of Ohio State athletics.
He is survived by his wife of fifty three years, Shirley; daughter, Jill (Andy)Ulrich of Blanchester,OH; grandsons Kyle and Justin Thompson of Ansonia; sisters, Jean Feasby of Antwerp, OH and Eunice Cook of Phoenix, AZ; brother, Byron (Kathy) Thompson of Convoy, OH; sister-in-law, Carla Miller of Van Wert OH; brother-in-law, Robert Lybarger of Van Wert, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Ned, his parents, Lester and Mary Thompson and three sisters, Mildred Delong of Van Wert, OH, Virginia Dawson of Convoy, OH and Marjorie Taylor of Convoy, OH.
There will be a memorial service held at the Ansonia United Methodist Church at 3:30p.m., on Friday May 7, with visitation with family from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pastors Joe Royer and Fred Herron will be officiating. Preferred Memorials to Ansonia United Methodist Church or The Hope Foundation of Darke County.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville.
