Terry L. Thompson, age77, passed away October 24, 2016 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Terry was born in Bloomington on November 8, 1938, the son of Patricia (Flaherty) and William Howard Thompson. He graduated from University High School in 1956. While in high school, he played football, baseball and wrestled all four years. He reached the Indiana State Finals in wrestling in 1955 in the 133 lbs. class. He served in the Army Reserves following high school.
Terry graduated from Indiana University in 1962 with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education and a minor in History. He later received a M.S. Degree from IU in Physical Education and Health Education. He continued his wrestling career at IU where he wrestled for four years and celebrated 50 years as and I-Man (letterwinner) in 2011. Terry also enjoyed many years as a recreational softball player in the Bloomington adult leagues.
Terry began his teaching and coaching career in 1962 at Garfield High School in Terre Haute. In 1965, he began teaching in Monroe County, first at Dyer (Tri-North), University High School and Middle School and then to Bloomington High School North in 1973. At BHSN, Terry served as an assistant coach in football and wrestling and had several very successful seasons as the head softball coach. Terry retired from North in 2004, but continued to b e a supporter of BHSN athletics. He was always a hard worker. Terry also worked as a groundskeeper at Chambersville Cemetery in Owen County before and along after his retirement from teaching.
Terry is survived by his wife, Susie (Gaston) Thompson. They had met in third grade at Poplar Grove School, dated throughout high school and married on February 1, 1964. He is also survived by his children, Dr. Sarah Tieman-Sievers (Bob) of Mooresville and Amy Thompson (Dionicio Nunez) of Bloomington, grandchildren, Molly Tieman, Virginia Grace Sievers, William Nunez and Ian Nunez. Surviving sisters include Sandra Bowman (Dan), Sue Gray (John), and Sally Thompson. He was preceded in death by his brother Timothy Thompson.
Terry took pride in and supported the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and Indianapolis Colts, and working on his family property near New Unionville.
Visitation will be 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47401.
Burial will be at 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Bloomington for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Bloomington High School North athletics department or another worthy cause of the donor’s choice.