Samuel "Sam" Dean Thompson

Samuel “Sam” Dean Thompson, 88, of Avon entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2024. He was a loving husband, and the caring father of three sons. Sam was born November 14,1936 in Cloverland, Indiana, to Dean and Mabel (Gallaspie) Thompson. During his early years, Sam’s family relocated to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he spent his childhood. As a young teen, he faced and overcame polio at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Sam graduated from Gerstmeyer Technical High School in Terre Haute in 1955, then moved to Indianapolis to attend architectural drafting school at Lain Technical Institute. It was there he met his future wife Emma “June” Meyers, when she was enrolled at the Lain Business School. Sam and June were married in 1957, and moved to Avon in 1961 where they built their life together and raised their family. 

Sam began his career as draftsman at J.M. Rotz Engineering Co. while completing his associate degree at Lain Technical. Over the years, he advanced to the role of mechanical design engineer and worked for companies including Rotz Engineers, Dwight Boyd & Associates, Odle McGuire Shook, Schmidt Associates, and Hufnagel Equipment Co. His dedication and skill left a lasting impact on his field and the people he worked with. Sam was a devoted member of White Lick Presbyterian Church, serving in various leadership roles over the years. He was also a member of The Gideons International and the Avon Lions Club. Sam enjoyed his church, playing euchre, listening to country and gospel music, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, traveling and spending time at he and June’s cottage in the woods on West Boggs Reservoir in Loogootee, Indiana. Above all, Sam cherished time with June, his beloved wife of more than 65 years, whether it was reading books while relaxing, watching the birds out of their family room window or traveling to Williamsburg, Virgina, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or the beachside in Florida.

Sam is survived by three sons, Gary (Susan) Thompson of Gosport, Bruce (Geralyn) Thompson of McCordsville and Karl Thompson of Speedway; seven grandchildren, Joshua Thompson, Bethany (William) Harriman, Eric (Sara) Thompson, Emma Thompson, Jeremy (Tiffany) Thompson, Daniel Thompson and Jessica Thompson; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife June, parents Dean and Mabel Thompson, and sister Connie (Thompson) Hyatt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sam’s memory may be made to White Lick Presbyterian Church: 2530 N. County Road 600 East, Avon, IN 46123 or

The Gideons International online at https://www.gideons.org/donate

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, at White Lick Presbyterian Church, 2530 N. County Road 600 East, Avon, Indiana. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m.