Jon Allen Thompson, Sr.

We lost Jon Allen Thompson, Sr. at his home in Parkton, Maryland, surrounded by his loved ones, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 83 years old. Jon was born on May 9, 1941, in Baltimore City, Maryland, to Howard C. and Mabel E. (Spicer) Thompson. After graduating from Hereford High School in 1959, he attended Maryland Institute of Art. He joined the United State Air Force after college. He worked at the cannery in New Freedom, PA and the Caterpillar plant in York, Pennsylvania, before he became the owner of the Manor Tavern in Monkton, Maryland. After selling the Manor Tavern, he remodeled and opened the Park Inn in Parkton, Maryland, in 1980. He worked there until recently and enjoyed every minute of it. He loved to sing his customers an Elvis song or tell them a joke while he served everyone with joy. Jon cared for his customers as he cared for his friends, regardless of their station in life.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wilma Jean (Lutz) Thompson, and their two sons, Howard (Kristen) and Jon, Jr. (Erin). He adored his grandchildren Ben (Erin), Rachael, Abby, and Presley. He also dearly loved his many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. His beloved younger sister, Sharon Wolfe (Terry), is his last remaining sibling. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Virginia Smith and Norma McClure; and his brother, Howard “Happy” Thompson.

Jon was an avid painter who also loved to draw. His subjects were mostly nature scenes and farms. He was a devoted Mason. During his over 30 years in the Masonic fraternity, he was a Past Master of Charity Lodge #134 in Freeland, Maryland. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, he was a Past Patron of Parkton Chapter #42 and Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Maryland. Before his illness caused him to step down from some responsibilities, he had also been elected as the Right Worthy Grand Sentinel of the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. He had previously served the General Grand Chapter as a member of the Scottish Rite committee. As a Mason, he became a life member of the Scottish Rite. Jon was a life member of the American Legion Parkton Post 256. Jon was also a member of the Bentley Springs United Methodist Church for over 70 years.

There will be two viewing opportunities at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA 17349, on Sunday, August 11 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm. There will be a Masonic and Eastern Star Service during the 7:00pm-9:00pm viewing. The funeral service will be held at Bentley Springs United Methodist Church, 419 Bentley Rd., Parkton, MD 21120, on Monday, August 12 at 11:00am, followed by interment with military honors at the Stabler’s Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WFIRM, https://easternstar.org/.