A photo of Jeff Monreal, owner and operator of Jeff Monreal Funeral Homes posing in a black suit with no background

Painesville Location

1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077

Willoughby Location

38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Mentor Location

6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060

Louis “Lou” Thompson

06/18/1935 — 02/11/2021

A close-up photo of Louis "Lou" Thompson smiling

Louis “Lou” A. Thompson, age 85 of Willowick, passed away February 11, 2021 at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. He was born June 18, 1935 in Cleveland to the late Louis and Eleanor Thompson.

Lou proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a printer apprentice at age 14, then he went on to work for the Cleveland Press and the News Herald. He served as a firefighter for over 38 years, acting as Assistant Chief at Eastlake Fire Department, and Captain at Willowick Fire Department. He had a successful career at Lincoln Electric for over 24 years. He also worked as the Bus Department Supervisor for a private local company.

Lou was a Mason and a hero. He saved lives both on and off duty. He received multiple resolutions from the city of Willowick for his heroic acts. He never hesitated to help others.

Lou loved Cleveland sports, Nascar, motorcycles, and all of his beloved pets. He never missed The Ohio State University football games or the Army/Navy games. He loved to travel and camp. Most importantly, Lou loved his family over everything. He never missed his children’s or grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events.

Lou is the devoted husband of 45 years to Donna Thompson; loving father of Michelle “Shelly” Thompson, Kim (Nick) Trem, Karen Miller, Caroline (Greg) Suba, Michael Caruso, Mary (John) McKeon, John Caruso and the late Jim (Debbie) Caruso; dearest grandfather to many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother of Barbara (Phillip-deceased) Dickenson and the late Larry and Gene (Judy) Thompson; brother in law of Pat (Bill) Marton; uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at Noon on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Willoughby Friends Church, 2846 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills. The service will be live streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/lou-thompson-funeral-mf4kj5krp0sympivhzek Masks and social distancing will be required.

Memorial donations can be made to Lake Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd. #E, Mentor OH 44060 or to The American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral & Cremation Services.

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4 Replies to “Louis “Lou” Thompson”

  1. Dave & Bonnie Burns February 16, 2021 at 10:48 pm

    Shelly- we are sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.

    Reply

  2. Wishing you find memories of your Father! Sorry for your loss! God bless you both!

    Reply

  3. Donna Schoeneich - Riverside Transportation February 23, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Donna & Family,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. From the few times I met him I could tell her was a super nice guy! God Bless you all

    Reply

  4. sorry for your loss prayers for you

    Reply

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