In Memory
Kermit Harrison Thompson
Feb. 3, 1914 - Sep. 19, 2008
Mr. Thompson, who was born in the mountains and returned to the mountains he loved upon his retirement in 1974 as principal of South Bend Washington High School, South Bend, Indiana, passed away Friday at the Brian Center at the age of 94 following a brief illness.
Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, he was the first-born son of the late Shelby Ritchie and Laura Nicatie Kinser Thompson. He was employed by the South Bend school system upon his graduation from Indiana State Teachers' College (nka, Indiana State University), Terre Haute, Indiana where he met "Rose," his bride-to-be. They married on the 29th of May 1935 in Paris, Illinois. Mr. Thompson will be remembered as a conscientious, highly regarded teacher prior to accepting the position of principal at South Bend Washington High School where he was the recipient of numerous accolades and was known for his wisdom, humor and kindness.
He was a member of the Methodist church throughout his life; a volunteer counselor and mentor with the North Carolina prison system; and a past member of Kiwanis Club. He is survived by his second wife, Joyce A. Lee Robinson of Hendersonville; a son and daughter-in-law of Fort Wayne, Indiana; a daughter and son-in-law, Edgar V. Safrit, of Hendersonville; a brother and sister-in-law, Ann Summers Thompson, of Elkins, West Virginia; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rosemary Grace Clark in 1998 and their infant son, Maurice Shelbert Thompson, as well as his parents. Kermit was an "uncommonly good" man and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.
A memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville, with the Rev. Heidi Campbell-Robinson officiating. Memorial contributions were requested to the church or to a charity of donor's choice. Arrangements were made by Thomas Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.
[Bio written by his adoring family.]
Gravesite Details
An obituary was published in Fort Wayne Newspapers on Sept. 24, 2008.
01/14/2022 DEC
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