John Harris Thompson, 81, of Franklin, IN peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Homeview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Franklin, IN.

He was born on May 14, 1942 in Union Township, Johnson County, IN to Emery "Maje" and Wreatha Louise (Thompson) Thompson.

John attended Union Township High School graduating in 1961.  He continued his education at Franklin College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

He excelled at remembering dates and locations of major events in national and world history.  John was an avid reader and spent many hours researching his family genealogy, visiting cemeteries and meeting with others who had the same passion to find ancestors of past generations.

John had an enthusiasm for nice automobiles, buying new every few years.  He collected miniature models of favorite cars and tractors especially John Deere, a favorite.  He also had models of a steam engine and separator his father had run as a threshing company in the early 1900's.

John lived in Indianapolis while working at Indiana Bell / AT&T, retiring after several years of service.

He enjoyed traveling and had visited many historical sites and attractions in the United States.  John also enjoyed time spent at family gatherings.

Survivors include his sister Alice (Thompson) Sutton of Morgantown, IN, his sister-in-law Joan (Selch) Thompson of Morgantown, IN, nieces Carla Sutton of Morgantown, IN and Wreatha (Sutton) Carroll (Ed) of Edinburgh, IN, nephews Ken Sutton (Samanta) of Indianapolis, IN, Roger Thompson (Therese) of New Albany, OH, Randy Thompson (Gina) of Taylorville, IL and Kevin Thompson (Jeri) of Morgantown, IN, and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Gene Thompson, William "Billy" Thompson and brother-in-law Herschel Sutton, nephew Charles "Chuck" Thompson and great- nephew Daniel Thompson.

Dean Combs will conduct a service on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 12 Noon at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Friends may call Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10AM until service time at the mortuary.  Burial will follow the service at Harris Cemetery in Union Township, Johnson County, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.