Vernon R. Venable Thompson, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at MHP Medical Center.
He was born November 17, 1942, in Flora, IL to Edward Venable Sr. and Louise (Cox) Venable.
Vernon graduated from Mattoon High School in Mattoon, IL with the Class of 1960.
He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country with honor. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 70 and a member of First Baptist Church. Vernon continued to serve his country and community by being an active member of the American Legion Honor Guard until his passing. He also served in the Bus ministry at the church, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir.
Vernon always had many dogs, and he loved them all dearly, but his favorite dog would always be Angel. When he was younger, he enjoyed collecting guns and being outdoors.
Vernon married Marcia Thompson in 1996 and she survives.
He is also survived by his stepsons, Ed Francis of Navarre, Fl, Ron Gibson of Honolulu, HI, Rick Gibson, of Channahon, IL; his sisters, Judi Branstettr of Ventura, CA, Tina Sanneman of Moro, IL, Sheila Conner of Lakeland, FL and Jo Anne Bumen of Indianapolis, IN; his brother, Jake Venable of El Paso, TX, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepsons, James Francis, and Gary Gibson; his brothers, Edward Venable Jr, Gary Venable, and Kent Venable.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Bryan Hartung officiating.
Burial will be in Lewis Creek Baptist Cemetery with military rites conducted by the VFW and American Legion Honor Guard.
Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Vernon’s family.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter in his honor at 705 Hale Rd. Shelbyville, IN, 46176
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
