John Wayne Thompson was born on February 9, 1950 in Crockett and passed away October 1, 2023 in Tyler after battling through a short illness. He was born to Marvin Eldridge and Carey Jeanette Smith Thompson of Pennington. John attended Pennington ISD until the 3rd grade and then became a life-long Groveton Indian. He graduated from Groveton High School in 1968. He was married to the love of his life, Joy Hammond Thompson, for 56 years. John's love for the construction business started early in his young career in Humble. John settled back in Pennington, Texas with his wife and children in 1984 where he resided until his death. He owned and operated John Thompson Construction Company for many years. John then worked for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation as the Southern Division Road and Bridge Manager. Before his retirement, he worked for NAPCO with the Forestry Division.

John was a respected leader in his community. He was an avid outdoorsman, rancher and farmer. He enjoyed riding in his John Deere Gator everywhere and he never met a stranger. He had a passion for hay baling, tractors, gardening, and fishing. John enjoyed supporting the local area youth in numerous ways. He was a true Groveton Indian, loved watching all GISD sports and the numerous activities his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in. John was appointed by the District Judge as WBTS Foundation President from 2002-present. He served on the Groveton ISD School Board for many years. John was a life-time member of the Groveton Ex-Students Association (L-621). He also played a significant role early on for the Trinity County Fair beginning in 1984 when it was held in the old gymnasium of GISD to current location. John served as President of the Trinity County Fair from 2004-2011. He currently serves as a member of the Pennington Water Board and President of the Flat Prairie Cemetery Association. John was a devoted member of the St. Francis of the Tejas Catholic Church in Crockett, Texas.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joy Thompson of 56 years; son, Kevin Thompson and Monica Hensley of Flat Prairie; daughter, Kelly Thompson Sullivan and Dane Sullivan of Flat Prairie; brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Peggy Thompson of Friday; sister-in-law, Dorothy Thompson of Flat Prairie; sister-in-law, Linda Stafford of Bryan/College Station; sister-in-law and husband, Gail and Phillip Wilhelm of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, William and wife, Bertha Doyle of Friday; grandchildren, John Thompson and wife, Shelby of Corrigan, Shelby and Jacob Torres of Orange, Kelsey and Wyatt Schoaf of Hillsboro, Katie Thompson and Fiancé, Gavin Baker of Frisco, Cole Sullivan of Flat Prairie, Jack Cutter Sullivan of Flat Prairie; great-grandchildren, Ellie Mae Thompson, Lyla Rae Thompson, Jack Connor Schoaf, and Bella Torres; numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Eldridge and Carey Jeanette Smith Thompson; sisters, Freda Thompson and Mary Thompson Doyle; and brother, Dan Thompson.

Pallbearers: Jack Clements, Dean Due, Sam Jones, Scott Evans, Sam Gregg, Joe Krenek, Wade Ray, Calvin Holmes, Richard Steptoe, Bobby Cater. Honorary Pallbearers: John Franklin Thompson, Cole Sullivan, Jack Cutter Sullivan

Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2023 at the St. Francis of the Tejas Catholic Church in Crockett with Rev. Joby Thomas Cheradai officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the rosary at 8:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Flat Prairie Cemetery, 8363 Groveton Flat Prairie Rd, Groveton, Texas 75845.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to an organization that was dear to John, St. Francis of the Tejas Catholic Church Men's Club 609 N. Fourth St, Crockett, Texas 75835 or Flat Prairie Cemetery, c/o Jack Clements 3636 FM 2781 Groveton, Texas 75845.

CALLAWAY-ALLEE FUNERAL HOME