Craig R. Thompson

Craig Thompson, age 84 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday morning, September 17, 2025 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family.   
  
He was born in Toledo, Ohio on August 6, 1941 to the late Richard and Mildred (Jackman) Thompson. Craig was a 1959 graduate of Libbey High School and attended The University of Toledo. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. On July 20, 1990 he married Shirley (Wolfe) Thompson who survives.

Craig worked for Toledo Edison for 28 years until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, Gold Wing Road Riders, Michigan Longbow Association, Defiance Elks Lodge #147, and Defiance County Fish & Game Association. He was a former member of Stryker Sportsman Club, National Muzzelloaders Rifle Association and Michigan Bow Hunters Association. Craig loved his family, nature, and the outdoors. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, traditional archery, camping, boating and sailboats. He will be sadly missed by his family and many good friends. 
  
Craig is survived by his loving wife Shirley of Defiance, his daughter, Sally (Randy) Thornell of Defiance, and his stepsons, Jeffrey (Mary) Dunlap of Palm Coast, FL and Jeremy Dunlap of Walton, KY. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his brother, Scott (Deb) Thompson of Perrysburg, OH. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Fred Thompson, and his beloved Maine Coon Cats, Ben and Bear.
  
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. 
   
Memorials are suggested to Ft. Defiance Humane Society. 

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