Phil Thompson, 82, left his home here and went to his heavenly home at 3:02 A.M. on May 12, 2011 at his residence in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Mr. Thompson was born on January 3, 1929 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois the son of the late Charles Thompson and Bessie (Blize) Thompson. He first married Marjorie P. (Carnes) Thompson on February 1, 1952 in Belle Rive, Illinois and she preceded him in death on May 1, 2000 and later he married Rose Anna (Lisenby) Buttrum Thompson on August 12, 2000 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Surviving family members include his wife: Rose Anna Thompson of Mount Vernon, Illinois; 2 daughters: Dorothy Jean Ross and husband Frank of Harrisburg, Illinois and Jo Ann Kowbel and husband Daniel of Tucson, Arizona; 3 Grandsons: Daniel Kowbel of Tucson, Arizona, Capt. Charles Lueker of Wichita Falls, Texas and Staff Sgt. Joshua Lueker and wife Mandy of Marion, Illinois; stepson: Jerry Lee Buttrum and wife Sandy of Edgewood, Illinois; 2 stepdaughters: Teresa Pittenger and husband Tim of Tolona, Illinois and Donna Cassada of Mount Vernon, Illinois; Step grandchildren: Jeremy Lee Buttrum and wife Caryl of Parkersburg, Illinois, Kristina Weidner and husband Jeremy of Edgewood, Illinois, Kari Calame and husband Kenny of Effingham, Illinois, Larissa Pittenger of Tolono, Illinois, Tianna Pittenger of Tolono, Illinois and Laura Ing and husband Jason of Mount Vernon, Illinois; great granddaughter: Emery Lynn Lueker of Marion, Illinois; 2 step great grandson: Dakota Weidner of Edgewood, Illinois and Jesse Weidner of Edgewood, Illinois; His parents, 1st wife, 2 sisters: Leola Fulgam and Wilma Doty and brother: Joseph Ewing Thompson preceded him in death. Phil was a generous and loving man. He was looking forward to the birth of his future step grandson. He loved the Lord and people and loved his family very much. Phil served in the United Sates Navy as Seaman 1st Class as an Airedale and was on the 1st Flat Top Jet Aircraft Carrier US Leyte CV32 in the Korean War. For over 50 years he was owner and operator of Phil Thompson Excavating and was an artist at his work. He worked on the pyramid at Cedarhurst Art Center and ground work at Willow Springs in Mount Vernon He was one of the first directors and board members of the Mount Vernon Rescue Mission and currently still served on the board. Phil was an Ordained Minster and pastored in Jefferson, Wayne and Marion Counties. He was a member of the Harlan Road Church of God in Mount Vernon. Phil and his wife Rose both served as assistant truck stop ministry on Sunday mornings at Hucks Travel Center for the past ten years. VISITATION: will be held from 5 to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, May 16, 2011 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Harlan Road Church of God in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Reverend Ted Anderson will officiate. INURNMENT: Per his request Mr. Thompson is to be cremated and inurnment at Mount Zion Cemetery in Jefferson County, Illinois at a later date. A military flag presentation will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141 at the celebration of life service.