Frank C Thompson III

A family man through and through, Frank Thompson leaves his loved ones with a rich legacy of being a strong role model and an exceptionally committed person to those he loved. Known for his strong work ethic and putting others first, Frank was an important member of his community. There is no doubt that he will be deeply missed by his many special friends and family .

The year 1944 is historically significant for June 6th, known as D-Day, during the World War II conflict. The war postponed both the Winter and Summer Olympics that year and brought hardship for many throughout the world. Yet, there was also the music of Bing Crosby, the notable works of Tennessee Williams, as well as The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet on the radio. Frank Jr. and Florence (Calkins) Thompson welcomed their oldest son, Frank Charles III, on July 30th, in San Antonio, Texas at Ft. Sam Houston where Frank Jr. was stationed. His birth brought much hope and happiness to the young couple.

Raised in Paw Paw on Niles Street, with his three younger siblings: Barbara, Linda, and Daniel, he lived a typical childhood. During his developing years, Frank played the tuba in his high school band, was the Captain of the football team, an Eagle Scout, and the Captain of the Safety Patrol. The family spent a lot of their free time away from the family business in the picturesque lakeshore town of South Haven. Frank graduated from high school in 1962. He enrolled at Delta College, in University Center, MI to study broadcasting with his sights set on becoming a DJ. Tragically his father died, so Frank came home from college to help run the funeral business and work various jobs to support the family from 1964-66. During this time, his Mom went to Wayne State University in Detroit to get her Mortuary Science license. These years made a significant impact on Frank’s life. After his Mom came back to take care of the funeral home business, Frank lost his exemption for the draft. He then decided to enlist with the United States Army.

Frank met the love of his life, Veronica (Ronnie), while he was working as a lifeguard at Maple Island in Paw Paw. Physically attracted to her beauty in a polka-dotted bikini, he asked her out at least three times before she said yes. They fell in love and joined in marriage on November 11, 1967, at the First Presbyterian Church in Paw Paw. Frank was on leave from the Army, so the newlyweds took a road trip back to his base at Ft. Louis, Washington, near Tacoma, and spent two years living on base. Frank was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the Army. Their daughter, Natalie, was born while they lived on base in Washington. Upon discharge from the military, Frank, Veronica, and Natalie returned to SW Michigan. In the fall of 1970, he enrolled in Wayne State’s Mortuary Science program to become a mortician and to take over the family business. After he received his Mortuary Science License, Frank established the Thompson Ambulance Service in the Lawton community as well as a quick response team that is still a part of Van Buren County.

In 1973, Frank and Ronnie grew their family to include their son, Frank IV. During this time, they lived above the funeral home. If the children were too loud while there was a funeral, Frank would march upstairs to tell them they sounded like an Amtrak train. By 1980, the family relocated to a custom-made log cabin situated just north of town on 46 acres. The property provided an ideal place to raise the family and was Frank and Ronnie’s forever home. Soon afterwards, their son Christopher was born in 1981. Frank enjoyed being home and available for the majority of the children’s growing years. As a family, they took many family vacations over the years where the kids would have lasting memories of their experiences. When Frank received his private pilot's license, they would fly to many of their destinations. He was there to support his children in so many activities. As a father, he led by example with core values and gentle guidance. His children never doubted his support for them and their many endeavors. As he was a generational funeral director, he exposed his children to the business but never forced them to follow in his footsteps. He wanted them to make their own decisions and share in their many successes.

In addition to the business and his family, Frank was involved in the community. He was service officer of McGowen-Johnson American Legion Post, a longtime member of the Lions Club, served on the village council in Paw Paw, was active in the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, and later even helped coordinate distribution of personal protective equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic. He had many passions in life including riding motorcycles, flying, and cheering on his U of M football. Frank loved being active and taking risks. He survived many near-death experiences including a near-fatal motorcycle accident that severely injured him. Any time he was out riding or flying, his heart was content.

Sadly, his lovely bride passed in 2019. He missed her dearly. Though Frank was not fond of cats, he was left with Ronnie’s cat, Ruby. Frank researched how to raise a cat, eventually adored Ruby, and even let Ruby sleep in the bed with him. Compassionate to a fault, he was a man of strong values who loved his family. Sadly, he is gone. Frank was a wonderful man to know and to love. He always wanted the best for his family. May his warm memories linger in the hearts of his loved ones and many special friends.

Frank Charles Thompson III died on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, after a sudden illness. Members of his family include his three children: Natalie Thompson, Frank IV (Sara) Thompson, and Christopher (Jody) Thompson; four grandchildren: Ethan, Olivia, Colby, and Kelsey, Siblings: Barbara (Lee) Burroughs, Linda Gonzalez, Daniel (Laurie) Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Veronica, in 2019.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where stories will be shared from 4-7 pm on Friday, March 14 at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M-40 Hwy; Paw Paw (269) 657-3870. Life Story Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 15 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery.

Celebrate Frank’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.