Richard F. Thompson, 82, of Du Quoin, passed away at 6:05 P.M., Thursday, March 6, 2025 at his residence.
Richard had been a welder at Captain Coal Mine.  He stared his mining career at Burning Star #3 Mine.  Richard also was a truck driver for Gilster-Mary Lee.  He was a Perry County Road Commissioner and member of UMWA and NRA.  Richard was of the Baptist faith.
He was born October 19, 1942 in Tamaroa, IL, the son of Joseph Edgar and Lois Alberta (Braden) Thompson.
He married Kay Ellen Whitley on December 28, 1963 in Du Quoin, IL and she preceded him in death on October 10, 2002.
He is survived by two daughters - Tammy Kay Robertson of Du Quoin and Julie Ann Essary Bryan and husband Alan of Pinckneyville, one daughter-in-law - Denise Thompson of Du Quoin, six grandchildren - Tyler Essary and Kenzie, Bailey Essary, Colton Essary, Braden Robertson, Nikki Tauchus, and Whitley Thompson, five great grandchildren - Tegan, Kanin, Grady, Emersyn, and Jaxton, one brother - Dale Thompson and wife Betty of Tamaroa, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son - Richard A. Thompson, and two sons-in-law - Lance Essary and Billie Robertson.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 P.M., Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the Old Du Quoin Cemetery in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Friends may call from 12:30 P.M. until 2:15 P.M., Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery in Du Quoin, IL.
Friends may make memorials to the Perry County Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.