Loren Rush Thompson
September 5, 1936 ~ June 4, 2025
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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My condolence to Loren’s family. I grew up with Loren and Donna, he and my brother were in the same class and Donna and I were classmates all during our school years. Thank you Rhône that you enabled me to sign up for your obituaries. I would otherwise not known of Loren’s death. Billie Sue (Miller) Wheatley.
Ronda and Steve –
Your dad was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Geri Lynn
Thoughts and prayer are with each of you. May God give you comfort.
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr.Thompson was a great man. To know him definitely was to love him. He was definitely a big part of Elkhart community history. He was loved by all. Rest in peace dear sir.
So sorry to hear this! He was a wonderful man! Loved him and Donna!! Both our kids worked for him when in high school. He will truly be missed!
I am so sorry for y’all lost I worked for him for a few years he was like my dad we had so many good times I love you
My kids worked for Loren. He was a big part of Elkhart. He will be missed .
I loved Loren my whole life! Growing up in Elkhart I even remember his father Oren working at the grocery store. Loren always had a smile and a few jokes to make your shopping experience fun! When I was pregnant, he accused me of shoplifting cantaloupe!
Loren gave me my first job at 14. He cooked the best breakfasts for us on the weekends when we had to open the store. I always enjoyed seeing him around town over the years.