Robert N. Thompson, 95, of Paxton passed away at 4:55 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living.

Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells, Paxton with Pastor David Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Masonic Services at 12:00 p.m.

Bob was born July 4, 1923 in Griggsville, Illinois the son of Robert Raymond and Nellie Edith Newcome Thompson. He married Bette R. Brendel June 19, 1944 in Chicago. She preceded him in death February 20, 2018.

He is survived by three sons, Robert N. (Shirley) Thompson, Jr. of Lebanon, IN, Mark D. (Jackie) Thompson of Osage Beach, MO, Richard S. (Lennth) Thompson of Paxton; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and one brother, Raymond E. Thompson of Corning, New York.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two infant sons, one sister, and two brothers.

Bob attended schools in Taylorville and graduated in 1941. During his high school years he won every state competition as a saxophone musician and as an accomplished musician, he went on to become a member of the Benny Strong Orchestra. The couple resided in Chicago and moved to Paxton in 1949. He was employed as a journeyman lineman with CIPS. They left Paxton in 1966, relocating to Streator and later Des Plaines. In 1976 they returned to Paxton. In 1977 Bob was elected Supervisor of Patton Township and served until being appointed Ford County Clerk and Recorder in 1978 until his retirement.

Bob was a member of Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton where he served on the Board and was involved with most of the church's activities. He was a Cubmaster. Bob was involved with the establishment of the Paxton Park District and responsible for building the Paxton swimming pool. He was the first President of the Park Board. He was also a former member of the Glen Cemetery Board of Directors and past president and member of the Zone 3 County Clerks and Recorders Association.

Member of Paxton Lodge #416 AF & AM, Past Master and Past Secretary, Member of Scottish Rite in Danville, IL, Past Commander of Mt. Olivet Commandery #38 Knights Templar, Past High Priest of Ford Chapter #113 Royal Arch Masons, Past TIM of Paxton Council #129 Cryptic Masons, Past President of Paxton Masonic Temple Corporation.

Memorials may be made to Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.