Bion Lee Thompson

Bion Lee Thompson, age 77, of Albia, IA, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at home, under the care of Kathy Thompson and Care Initiatives Hospice. Bion was born on November 18, 1945, in Ottumwa, IA, to George and Helen (Lukens) Thompson. He graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1963. Following high school, Bion served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967, where he was military police and later stationed at Vietnam. In 1965, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann “Molly” Gilbert in Ohio and they later divorced. In 1985, he was united in marriage to Kathy Johnson in Reno, Nevada. Upon returning home from the service, Bion worked as a maintenance mechanic for many years. He started work at Monroe Plastics before going to work at Chamberlains, both in Albia. He then worked at Montezuma Manufacturing before returning to Albia and working at Oakwood Specialty Care. He also helped his dad on the family farm. Bion enjoyed being outdoors, camping, racing and going to demolition derbies. He also enjoyed going to the casinos to play the slot machines and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes football and Minnesota Vikings fan. Bion is survived by his ex-wife, longtime friend and caregiver, Kathy Thompson of Albia; 6 children, Robbie (Leslie) Thompson and Tammy Jacobs of Jessup, GA, Bion Thompson Jr. of Norwalk, IA, Alicia Johnson of Fairfield, IA, Chrissy (Chad) Stringfellow of Palm Harbor, FL, and Susan Krahenbuhl of Ankeny, IA; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Darrell (Kathy) Thompson of Hedrick, IA, and Benji (Betty) Thompson of Avery, IA; and a half-sister, Glenda (Steve) Farrier of Atlantic, IA. Bion is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Thompson; 2 brothers, Gary VanNess and Bruce Thompson; and a sister, Glynes McElroy. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Bion’s family present to greet family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Dustin Sample officiating. Military Honors will follow provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Bion Lee Thompson

November 18, 1945 - June 10, 2023