Rev. Cletus Deon Thompson

Rev. Cletus D. "Deon" Thompson, age 81, of Marion, Illinois,  passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois.

Cletus was born July 26, 1941 in Creal Springs, Illinois, a son of Lawson and Irene (Willard)  Thompson. Deon grew up in Creal Springs and graduated Marion High School in 1959.  He studied as a machinist at SIU, earning an Associates Degree.  He married Netta Lee Foster on November 03, 1961 in Creal Springs, IL.  Deon  was a Life Long Evangelist, spreading the Gospel of God where ever he went.  He was know as a Human Bible and lead people to the Lord right up to his death.  He told his daughter, "You don't become an Evangelist, you are born one".  Deon taught Machinist Classes at VTI for 3 years then went to work as a Machinist at Ziegler Coal for 17 years until the mine closed.  He then worked at Penn Aluminum for 10 years until his retirement.  Deon enjoyed playing basketball and riding motorcycles.      

He is survived by his wife Netta Lee Thompson of Marion, IL; three children, Jamie D. (Katheryn) Thompson of Jonesboro, IL, Rev. Melanie G. (Kevin) Koehler of Franklin, KY, and Mylia L. (Edwin) Jennings of Johnston City, IL; seven grandchildren, Jacob D. (Rachel) Thompson, Faith L. (Josh) Dubree, Gabriel K. Thompson, Nathan (Ashley) Koehler, Braxton B. Koehler, Ethan F. Jennings, and Ashlynn L. Jennings; four great-grandchildren, Drake Dubree, Khloe Thompson, Logan Sweitzer, and Zane Thompson; and two siblings, Denzel (Inez) Thompson of Marion, IL and Delores Lafarey.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawson and Irene Thompson and one brother, Herbert Thompson.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 7th, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Mitchell-Hughes  Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, 11:00 AM at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Todd Greiner officiating.  Burial will follow at Simmons Cemetery in Creal Springs.