Michael Lee “Mike” Thompson, 76, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, while in the loving care of his nurses. Born April 27, 1950, in Greenfield, Ohio, Mike always considered Ross County, Ohio, home. His career eventually brought him to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he and his beloved wife, Susan Marie “Suzi” (Kuhn) Thompson, built their life and raised their family. Mike and Suzi were married on January 31, 1970, in Jamestown, Tennessee, beginning a marriage that lasted 50 years until her passing in 2020. Their love was demonstrated not only in words but in countless acts of devotion throughout their lives together. Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force, working with communication equipment, before continuing his career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His technical expertise earned him recognition for equipment development in the 1980s. He also taught electronics and peripherals at Ivy Tech Community College. A lifelong Scout and dedicated Scout leader, Mike enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experiences with young people. He was an avid amateur radio operator, holding the call sign KA9JWZ, and enjoyed electronics, music, Star Trek, camping, and bowling. Known for his dry wit, quick mind, and wonderfully literal sense of humor, Mike was always ready with an unexpected observation or a lesson worth remembering. Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a teacher at heart, generous with his knowledge and quietly steadfast in his love for those around him. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Marie “Suzi” (Kuhn) Thompson; his mother, Rosemarie (Donohoe) Foraker; his stepfather, Charles Foraker; his father, William Z. Thompson; and his daughter-in-law, Tisha Thompson. He is survived by his son, Dwayne Michael Thompson; his daughter, Carla Jean (Thompson) Whitesides and her wife, Margaret “Micki” Whitesides; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; and his brother, Richard Foraker, along with extended family and friends. 

A joint celebration of life honoring both Mike and Suzi will be held in Ross County, Ohio, with arrangements to be announced at a later date. The family looks forward to celebrating both lives together, as COVID-19 restrictions prevented a gathering to honor Suzi following her passing in 2020. 

Mike lived by a simple expression that his family will carry forward: “Keep on keeping on.” 

KOKO, Daddy. We love you.