Francis R. "Hezzie" Thompson

Francis R. “Hezzie” Thompson, 92, Altoona, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, January 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 12, 1932, Newry, son of the late Eugene and Edith (Leonard) Thompson. Survived by his loving wife, Charleen Carey, whom he married on May 2, 1953 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata, recently celebrating their 70^th anniversary; three daughters, Sharon (Tom) Schultz, Maureen Glunt, and Becky (Russ) Geiner; he was blessed with eight grandchildren, Jennifer, John Paul, Stephanie, Megan, Danielle, Molly, Christopher and Allison; ten great-grandchildren, Aidan, Baylor, Noah, Annabelle, Raegan, Mayla, Graeme, Cole, Charlotte and Theodore; his three siblings, Phyllis, Robert and Rita; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by an infant daughter, Donna Marie; and his eight siblings, Audrey, Roger, James, Joseph, Eugene, Raymond, Paul and Donald. Frank was a 1950 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was self employed as a realtor, owning and operating Thompson Real Estate until his retirement in 1992. Hezzie had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid sportsman and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Hezzie cherished his time with the Lighthouse Men’s Fellowship, Blair County Pastor’s Network, and Prison Ministry. He was a lifetime member of the advisory board for the Salvation Army. One of Hezzie’s favorite pastimes for twenty years was teaching kids how to fish at Camp Zaccheaus in Jennerstown. He took great pride in authoring and having published a book titled “Tales from the Bench” about his life growing up in his hometown of Newry. We would like to thank the compassionate staff at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home for the care and support they provided for the past year. To remember our dad, we will quote his favorite phrase from the Cursillo Movement: “Make a friend, be a friend, bring that friend to Christ.” At his request, there will be no viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 900 N. 4th St., Altoona, Fr. Nelson Javier and Fr. Brad Baldwin concelebrants. Committal Calvary Cemetery, Altoona. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 900 N. 4th St., Altoona, PA 16601, Lighthouse Ministries, P.O. Box 208, Altoona, PA 16603, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home, An Anderson Family Firm, 1222 13th Avenue, Altoona. Condolences may be made at JonesFHAltoona.com