Holding the hand of his beloved wife of 53 years, Esther and surrounded by family, Art Thompson, 73, of Torpedo, PA went home to his Heavenly Father, on June 21, 2026, fittingly on Father's Day. 

He was born July 18, 1952 in Titusville, PA to Glenn Thompson and Janice (Holcomb) Thompson. Growing up in Grand Valley, he frequently and fondly recalled roaming through the countryside and returning home to the call of his Mom. He attended  Youngsville HS where he was a member of Student Council, wrestled, and participated in apparently infamous hijinks. After graduating in 1970 he attended Penn State New Kensington, where he obtained an Associates Degree in Parks and Recreation. The best thing that happened at Penn State was meeting the love of his life. They were married on July 8, 1972 then returned to Garland and eventually built his dream home in Torpedo. They raised 4 children, who are their pride and joy. They are Heather (Donald) Sitter of Erie, Amy of Warren, Benjamin (Carrie) of Shippenville, and Michael (fiancée Alessia) of Erie.  He was active with his children, coaching softball and attending sporting events of Warren County Christian school. WCCS meant a lot to him and he was on the Board of Directors of Warren County Christian school for many years. Art worked as a machinist for 25 years at the National Forge. After leaving there, he obtained an Associates Degree from Clarion as Paralegal. During this time he also was a founding member and President of the Businessmen's Full Gospel of Warren.

Next to his children, his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. It was common for him to regale them with tales about life in Grand Valley, our legal system, or extraterrestrial life. You could find him attending sporting events, plays, and concerts with a smile as big a proud "G-Dad" could have. His grandchildren, in order, are Nathaniel (Jordyn) "George", Peter (Kaitlyn) "Petey Pete",  Caleb "The Candyman",  Phillip "Flipamongo",  Mason "Viking", Kora "Evilyn",  Wyatt (Destroyer of Worlds), Isabelle "Isabrat", Lily "Lilliputian", and Royal "Jasper".

Art was a man of deep and unashamed faith in Jesus Christ. He lived life firmly planted in his beliefs, which he demonstrated each day through service and worship. He was active in several churches throughout the years, either preaching, leading worship by singing and playing guitar, or teaching Sunday school. He enjoyed sharing his love of Christ from the pulpit, around the campfire, or while enjoying a meal together.  Two of the churches he was most prominent at were Pittsfield Otterbein, which he helped rebuild, and Lighthouse Christian Church in Titusville. 

"Big" is a word that described Art. He had a big heart, big, booming voice, an even bigger laugh, and was big in stature. Big was also the love he had for those who survive him: His wife, his children and their spouses, his brothers William and Waid (Lynne) Thompson, his sisters, Patricia (Tom) Battko, Jan Bowen, many nieces and nephews, and Eric Schweitzer, father of 4 of his grandchildren. 

Visitation hours will be at Youngsville Free Methodist Church, 179 Davis St, Youngsville, PA 16371, on Thursday, June 25th from 4 - 7 pm and Friday, June 26th from 10 am - 12 pm. Immediately following will be a funeral service officiated by his son Michael, music by Carrie and Caleb Thompson. Pallbearers will be his six adult grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Grand Valley VFD, 12864 Route 27, Grand Valley, PA 16420 or to Garland VFD, 31 Bailey Ln, Garland, PA 16416.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, has been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made online at nelsonfuneralhome.net.