William Morris Thompson

William Morris "Bill" Thompson, 91, lifelong Rockford resident, passed away Monday, August 2, 2010, in Elkhart, IN. He was born August 5, 1918 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Roy and Lila (Darby) Thompson. He married Florence Mary Walker in Dubuque, IA on October 6, 1940; she preceded him in death on July 17, 2001. Bill is a veteran of the Army, 8 th Armored Division, 49 th Armored Infantry, World War II serving in France, Belgium and Germany. He received two purple hearts and a bronze star. He was a foreman and quality control at Barber Coleman for 25 years retiring in 1984. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, VFW Post 342, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.Survived by children, Judith Smallwood of Phoenix, AZ, David (Rae) Thompson of Ridott, Ruth Kelley of Rockford, John (Jacque Pipitone) Thompson of Rockford, and Bob (Roxanne) Thompson of Rapid City, SD; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; friend and companion, Marie Seifert of Elkhart, IN. Predeceased by his parents; wife; sister, Margaret; brother, Roy; son-in-law, Roger Smallwood; and his special dog, Reina.Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.