"Butch"

Bishop John D. Thompson, 79, of Holly Street, Harrisburg, PA transitioned into eternal life on Sunday, September 21st at the UPMC Harrisburg Hospital.

He was born in Harrisburg, PA, son of Virginia (Thompson) and Edsel A. Wise. He was an honorably discharged SP5 Vietnam Veteran who fought for his country, was wounded and received the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Metal/Device 60, as well as several other medals and badges.

He retired from Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg. He was a Bishop and Pastor of his Word of Life Ministries and in his leisure he enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies. Bishop also liked preaching, teaching and hearing true Gospel spoken or sung. He also loved to shop in stores or online.

Before giving his life to Christ he was a brother, husband and father.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Mappes; stepfather, Grover Mappes; sister, Gloria House; brothers, Stephen "Steve" Thompson and Ronald "Ronnie" Thompson; nephew, Charles "Groovy" Thompson and Uncle, Robert Lewis Thompson.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Annie Thompson; son, John, Jr.; daughter, Angelique; granddaughter, Johnese; great grandson, Quincey; brothers, Leslie "Bo" Thompson (Daphne) of Harrisburg, PA, Terrance Thompson (Lisa) of Aberdeen, MD, Elder Jamie K. Marshall (Amy); sisters, Minerva Washington of Camp Hill, PA, Juanita Thompson of Harrisburg, PA, Elvira McBride Marshall of Harrisburg, PA, Christie Marshall of Harrisburg, PA and Cathy Tatum of Harrisburg, PA; aunt, Trudy Marguerite Johnson; sister-in-law, Vivian Thompson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

At the request of the family his life will be celebrated privately. Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton, will handle the cremation process with final resting columbarium in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.