Lester Lyle Thompson, age 83, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born on April 2, 1942, he was the son of the late Lyle Thompson and Phoebe Slocum. Lester answered his country's call and served honorably in the United States Navy. He worked as a commercial fisherman most of his adult life. Lester enjoyed playing the harmonica. He also loved to share his philosophies of life with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his former spouse, Lois Thompson; daughters, Michelle (Ralph) Ilgenfritz, Amy (Charles) Bailey, and Heather (Mario) Bailey; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Katherine Klein, Rebecca (Scott) Blodgett, Sandra (Mark) MacDonald, and Vicki Creech.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Jeri McCullough; and daughter, Melinda Root.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.