Michael L. "Mike" Thompson

MANSFIELD: Mike Thompson passed away in his Mansfield home Saturday, May 9, 2015 following a brief illness. He was 54.

He was born June 19, 1960 in Mansfield to parents Kenneth H. and Joan E. (Miller) Thompson. Mike was graduated from Madison High School with the class of 1978. He fell in love with a girl named Kerry Lynn Albert and the pair married on March 30, 2001.

Mike (better known as MLT to close friends) worked as a blanker press operator at General Motors for nearly 25 years. In free time, he enjoyed all kinds of sports and routinely cheered for the Bengals, the Lakers, the Red Sox, Kentucky basketball, and OSU football. He also loved NASCAR and NHRA drag racing, reading novels (especially Stephen King), and spending nights at home with his wife. Although he sometimes donned a gruff exterior, Mike was an animal lover and would do anything for his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years Kerry Thompson of Mansfield; his son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Amber Thompson of Shelby with their children, Bryson, Brooklyn, and Brevin Thompson; his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Patrick Burkhart of Galion with their children, Kaiden Boggs and Ava and Makenna Burkhart; a brother, Todd and Susan Thompson of Bellville; sister, Cynthia and Harry Collins of Galion; a sister-in-law, Kelly and Bob Rush of Mansfield; a brother-in-law, Erin Seamans of Hendersonville, TN; father-in-law, Danny and Louise Albert of Mansfield; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and a special shih tzu, Norman.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Thompson and a sister, Deborah Jean Thompson.

His family will receive friends 11-1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a memorial service honoring his life will begin at 1 pm with The Rev. Ken Kinley officiating. Private burial in Mansfield Memorial Park will be held at a later date.

Contributions in his memory to Hospice of North Central Ohio may be made at the funeral home.