Leland Thompson

Leland Stanford (Bud) Thompson was born April 27, 1927 and passed on October 6, 2015. Leland was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Neil Thompson and Jennie Mae McDaniel Thompson. He was preceded also by his siblings: Ruth Evelyn Stamper and her husband, Anthony Lionel Stamper; Daisy Isabel Senger and her husband, Charles Martin Senger; Robert Neil Thompson, Jr.; Thomas Eliot Wilson Thompson; Julian Edward (Joe) Thompson. Also preceding was a beloved cousin Betty Pat Leaach. Leland is survived by nephews John Thompson Stamper, Stephen Charles Senger, and Thomas Leo Senger. Leland had long been a welcome member of the John Hoagland family near Covington, Indiana. Leland's long-time employee and friendly political antagonist was Steve Nixon of South Danville. Leland Thompson was born and reared in Cowden, Illinois, where his parents stressed the value of education to all their children. As they grew up, Leland and his brother Julian Edward developed an appreciation of music, which inspired Leland to participate in choral performances throughout his life. "If music be the food of love, play on." Shakespeare's Twelfth-Night Fulfilling his parents' wishes, Leland graduated as valedictorian from Cowden High School in 1945. After a year and a half of service in the U.S. Army in Austin, Texas, Sgt. Thompson returned to Illinois to continue his education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Illinois in 1953 and his Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley in 1969. "I count myself in nothing else so happy As in a soul remembering my good friends." Shakespeare's Richard II From 1948 until 1962, Leland made lifelong friends while working as summer busboy and eventually manager of the Grand Lake Lodge in Grand Lake, Colorado. He began teaching at the junior high level, for eight years working in Assumption, Springfield and Rockford, Illinois. He then worked for the University of Illinois for five years in Chicago. His final and long-term career appointment was at Danville Junior College/later Danville Area Community College, Danville, Illinois, where he was employed from 1969 until his retirement in 1992. He taught Rhetoric, Public Speaking, Humanities, American Literature, and (his graduate specialty and favorite course to teach) Shakespeare. Leland's colleagues remember his friendly humor and hospitality. His students remember him as an inspiring professor who maintained firm classroom discipline and who was a gentleman. The citizens of Danville always looked forward to the spectacular display of tiny, sparkling holiday lights which outlined Leland's stately Georgian house, every column, also every bush and tree in his front yard. "I'll note you in my book of memory." Shakespeare's Henry VI No flowers, please. Instead bring a happy memory to share. Memorials for Leland Stanford Thompson may be sent to the Danville Area Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund, 2000 E. Main, Danville, IL 61832 or to the Danville Humane Society, 1225 N. Collett, Danville, IL. A celebration of Leland's life will be held on Friday October 9th, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville, at 7pm visitation will be from 5 -7 pm. Please share memories and photo's of Leland on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Visitation Dec 31, 1969 Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Oct 9, 2015 Friday, 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Final Resting Place Cowden Mound Cemetery Cowden, IL.