SMITHVILLE – Oscar Junior O.J. Thompson, 94, of Smithville, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016 at Brenn-Field Nursing Home in Orrville.
He was born July 23, 1922 in Canton,   the son of Oscar and Emma Moorman Thompson.   He married Beverly Arnold in 1946.   She survives.
O.J. received his Bachlors degree from the University of Findlay and his Masters Degree from the University of Akron.   He was a clergyman for over 68 years having served as a Pastor at the Zion Church of God in Holgate, OH, Mendon Church of God, Cleveland Mission Church, Wharton Church of God, Overton Church of God, Synagogue Church of God, Reedsburg Church of God, Smithville Church of God, Ney Church of God, Lima Church of God  and an interim pastor and visiting pastor of the Akron Road Church of God and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ of Apple Creek.
He had served as principal at Burbank and Smithville Elementary Schools.   He was a member of the Great Lakes Conference of Churches of God.     He was a member of the Ohio Education Assn., member of the Ohio Department of Elementary Principles, Past member of East Central Ohio Teachers Assn., Wayne Co. Teachers Assn.   Past member of the Ruritan Club in Smithville, Smithville Lions Club, served on the Smithville Board of Public Affairs, Smithville Village Council and served as Mayor of Smithville for 13 years.  
He was the director of summer playground activities for 9 years, active in establishing softball leagues in Smithville.   He had served as a commissioner of the Wayne Co. Athletic League, the Cardinal Conference member of the Ohio Athletic Assn., Umpires Assn. for 27 years, a member of the ASA softball Assn. and a basketball official of the OHSAA for 19 years and the Volleyball Assn for 5 years.   He had coached little league teams in Lima and Smithville, and coached Jr. High Basketball and Baseball at Burbank School.   He was a member of the Wayne Co. Sports Hall of Fame and the Wayne Co. Officials Association.
He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Rodney (Deborah) Thompson of Orrville and Ned (Dawn) Thompson of Venice, FL, 9 grandchildren,  19 great-grandchildren.
O.J. was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kenneth Thompson, a daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Thompson and sisters, Hazel DeGarmo and Geraldine Maurer and a brother Earl Thompson.
Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster on Friday, September 2, 2016 from 5-8:00 p.m.
Services will be held Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Akron Road Church God, 1953 Akron Rd., Wooster with Revs. Ben Thompson and Arnie Kauffman officiating.   Interment will follow in the Smithville Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840, Akron Road Church of God, 1953 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691, or LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
 

Memorial Contributions
University of Findlay, 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840 or Akron Church of God, 1953 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691, or LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691

Service
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of God on Akron Road

Visitation
Friday, September 2, 2016