Benjamin Thompson

Benjamin Thompson, 94, of Marietta, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center.  Born Monday, June 23, 1924 in Laurens, South Carolina, he was the son of the late J.B. and Mary (Wilson) Thompson.  He was married to Lillian A. (Kriewald) Thompson for over 68 years.

Ben served 26 years with the U.S. Air Force from October of 1942 to October of 1968. He was a prisoner of war from June, 1944 to April, 1945 in a POW Camp near the Polish border.  He continued in the Air Force for 23 more years, serving in Korea, Greenland, Saudi Arabia, the Belgium Congo, Bermuda and several stateside bases.  Ben was also the proud recipient of four Bronze Stars.  After retiring from the Military, he worked for the Marietta Post Office and then for PP&L for ten years.  He served on the Marietta Boro Council and was President of the Marietta Sewer Authority for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, of Columbia; five children: Peggy Hanula, wife of David, of Frederick, PA; Patricia Hildebrand, wife of Richard, of Yorkana; Benjamin Thompson, Jr., of Lebanon; Eric Thompson, companion of Susan Poole, of Columbia; Aleta Thompson, companion of Bob Blymier, of Wrightsville as well as 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Noon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1290 River Road, Marietta, PA  17547 with Pastor Traci Glover officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the time of the service of Wednesday.  Private burial will take place at the convenience of the family in the Marietta Cemetery with full military honors.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Smedley-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 29 North Gay St., Marietta, PA 17547, 717-426-3614.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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