Francis Charles Thomson, 85, died peacefully at home on April 21 after a long illness. Born at home in West Chester, PA, he attended school at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, then immediately joined the Marines in 1956.
His first career after the military was as a machinist and supervisor at JM Schmidt Precision Tool Co., while also working as a night manager at Bevan’s Cold Cuts, where he enjoyed working with his daughters Brenda and Patty. Following his retirement at Precision Tool, he worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Fran lived a life rich in service to others. While his daughters were in school, he was an active member of West Chester East Band Boosters, chaperoning many band trips. He was a board member of LAPS (Large Animal Protection Society) for 10 years, volunteering alongside his sister, Charlotte, rescuing horses and other large animals. Fran always had horses, and he enjoyed attending steeplechase races in the area.
He attended Willowdale Church, and when the Jennersville campus opened, he volunteered to run the coffee bar at both services for several years. He was a member and past president of the Avon Grove Lions Club and volunteered at their Book Barn every Friday evening and Saturday morning.
His parents were Charles Levis Thomson and Alice Osborne Thomson. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Eddie Gates. He is survived by his beloved partner of 30 years, Linda Haldeman, his sister Charlotte (Richard) Carrigan, daughters Tara Ray, Deborah (Scott) Gates, Patricia (Jim) Sullivan, Brenda (Wayne) Clemson, nephew Steve (Drew) Carrigan, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 7 stepchildren, Jason Haldeman, Alissa O’Hara, Jessica (Ryan) Conley, Jared (Feather) Haldeman, Amy (Daniel) Flather, Andrew (Mindy) Haldeman, Rebecca (Tony) DeRose, and 16 step-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held June 3 at Willowdale Church, Jennersville campus, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club. Checks can be mailed to 600 North Baker Station, West Grove, PA 19390.
Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever. Fran, you are greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square. (484-734-8100) To view Fran’s online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com
