Vernon E. Thompson

Vernon Elwood Thompson, 74, of Springfield, MA departed this life peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2020.  Vernon was born September 27, 1945 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the eighth of ten children of the late William Henry Thompson and Ida Mae Mann. Vernon lived in New Jersey and for a while also in Nyack, New York. In 1966 he made Springfield, Massachusetts his permanent residence. Not afraid of hard work, he studied culinary arts and show-cased his talents at several local restaurants including IHop, Friendly's , American Steakhouse and the Sheraton Hotel.  He also worked as a security guard for the Springfield Motorcycle building and the Bergen Circle Apartments and finished out his working career as a Senior Services Transport driver with Hulmes Transportation (now PVTA). He joined the Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church and was baptized on December 22, 1984 by Pastor St. John.  He faithfully served as a Deacon for several years and also sang in the gospel choir. He was known for his beautiful tenor voice  and sang with the original Prodigal Sons.  He also enjoyed singing the secular music of  Sam Cooke, James Brown, Chuck Berry and The Temptations. In the quiet moments, he found joy in being outdoors fishing. A man of many talents, Vernon was also a Golden Gloves Boxer for the Dunbar Community Center. He learned his craft by training beside "Smokin Joe  Frazier" from 1970-73. Before his passing Vernon and the Thompson family were recognized as members of the Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation of Riverhead, New York. Affectionately known as "Bunny" and "Caveman" to his family and friends, Vernon  leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, Evenus Thompson, his former wife of 20 years, two daughters Suneve L. Thompson and Tayja S. Thompson and one son Jacob C. Thompson; four sisters Claudette Thompson, Ida Thompson, Honey Thompson and Marsha Thompson and one brother David Thompson; two granddaughters London R. Price, and Justyce E. Capdeville; a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, great-great-nieces/nephews, many cousins,  his church family and friends. Vernon was predeceased by two brothers Charles and Stanley Thompson; two sisters Patricia Mann Thompson and Julia Harris and a great-nephew Kashir Thompson.  He loved and adored all of  his siblings and took great pride in being their "little big brother."  Vernon Elwood Thompson  will be remembered as a "Jack of all trades", an adventurer, a prolific story teller, a well known comedian but most of all a Father and family man who was truly loved and will be missed by all.

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