Loren Rush Thompson

Loren Rush Thompson, a cherished member of the Elkhart community and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at Christus Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas, on Wednesday, the 4th day of June 2025, after a brief illness at the age of 88. Born on the 5th day of September 1936, in Palestine, Texas, Loren was the proud son of James Oren Thompson and Maggi Lea Bridges.

Mr. Thompson led a life marked by hard work, dedication, and kindness. He married the love of his life, Donna Thompson, on December 31, 1956, and the two were blessed with two wonderful children and a life full of memories. For 46 years, he and his wife were the proud owners and operators of Loren's Grocery Store in Elkhart, Texas. A true Texan through and through, Mr. Thompson was born and raised in Elkhart, where his love for horses grew. He dedicated many years to raising horses. Loren was a true friend to all, and he will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Maggi Thompson, and his beloved wife, Donna Gayle Thompson.

Mr. Thompson's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He leaves behind his daughter, Rondalyn Harris; son, Stephen Thompson and wife Jan; grandchildren, Darrell “Buzzy” Harris, Ashley Jameson and husband Carl, Vana White, Victor Loren “Chip” Thompson and wife Brittany, Dawn Jones and husband Austin, Leigha Canales, Slaton Styles and wife Ciji, and Hope Julian. Mr. Thompson also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Shelby Harris, Jaden Roberson, Maggie McSwane and husband Jake, Bailey Barron, Caleb Thompson, Sydnie Jones, Jackson Jones, Blakely Jones, Dawson Jones, Makoa; great-great-grandchild, Layken McSwane, and numerous cousins and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate Loren Thompson’s life are to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, the 7th day of June 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Ben Rhone officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Funderburk Family Cemetery.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Wayne Woodard, Dee Tatum, Mark Kirkwood, James Kirkwood, Chip Thompson, and Buzzy Harris.

Funeral services for Loren Rush Thompson are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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