Harry Dean Thompson, Sr. 81,

residing in Sandusky, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, at home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness.

Harry was born on February 19, 1943 in Sandusky, Ohio to the late Harry F. and Naomi (Babcock) Thompson. During his senior year in high school at Sandusky High School, 1962, Harry and his team won the Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contest at the state level (Ohio), advancing to the national contest where they placed third in the nation. Harry married his sweetheart, Arlene Kay (Neill), on August 24, 1963, and the family celebrated their 61st anniversary on August 24, 2024. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Perseverance Lodge 329, in Sandusky, serving as Worshipful Master in the early 1980s, and a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ and the Remember Cruisin’ Car Club.

Throughout his life he was employed at Marks Pick-N-Pay, Ronnie's Beer Dock, and New Departure Hyatt (for just under 25 years.) Though a “GM guy,” through and through, Harry was “loaned” to the Sandusky Ford plant to assist the Ford clutch team in fixing some issues they were having with their clutches. In thanks, they gave him a plaque engraved with “He always comes through in the clutch!” And he did, whether for work, friends, or family, you could always count on Harry to lend a helping hand.

After retirement, Harry continued to keep busy. He owned and operated Classic AAA Driving School with Arlene from 1985 through 1989. Arlene handled the classroom instruction and Harry bravely handled the in-car instruction. He was also a Bus Driver for Sandusky City Schools for 10 years, worked at McDonald’s, and spent 6 years at Cedar Point, during which time he and Arlene made many deep and enduring friendships with young people from all over the world. He also used his free time to restore two 1950s classic Ford trucks and was pleased to display his handiwork at various car shows in the area throughout the years.

Harry is survived by his wife, Arlene (Neill) Thompson; children, Beth Ann (Kevin) Wagner, Jennifer Lynn (Gregory) Eschedor, and Harry Dean "Butch" Thompson, Jr.; grandchildren, Jennifer Michelle Love, Samuel Wagner, Nathaniel Wagner, Danielle (Thomas) Kays, Jonathan (fiancée, Autumn Fox) Eschedor, and Brandon Thompson; great-grandchildren, Jackson Brown, Brynn Dille, Micaela Love, Neeko Wagner, Abigail Kays, Noah Eschedor, Brenden Gibson-Fraley, Caitlyn Fraley, Cameron Thompson, Ashlynn Thompson, and Emerson Thompson; sisters, Joyce (Roy III) Patterson and Judy Lynn Thompson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Friends may call on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky with Masonic Services taking place at 6:45 pm. Friends may also call on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 9:00 am until the time of funeral services at 10:00 am at St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky with Rev. Jerald Fenske presiding. Burial will follow in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, Ohio.

Those wishing to contribute to Harry's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, or to one's favorite charity.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.