Lowell Francis Thompson, known by all as “Tommy”, 91, rural Plymouth, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 3rd, 2026. He was born July 26th, 1934 at home in rural Loraine, IL to Sterling R. and Marguerite M. (Smith) Thompson.
Tommy graduated from Plymouth High School in 1951.
He attended Western Illinois University before entering the workforce full-time. He was employed by Hemp’s in Macomb, IL and Dennis Poultry Products in Augusta, IL.
Tommy established the beginning of his farming career in 1954. As he continued to grow and expand the farming operation, he also implemented livestock. He took great pride in his Registered Black Angus cattle herd.
On March 24th, 2013, he married Beverly Ann (West) Kern. They were together for 34 years and in that time, they shared many wonderful and adventurous years together – she was the love of his life. Together they shared a loving family, and a life on the farm and community.
Tommy was deeply involved in his community, serving as the Trustee for the Tri-County Fire Department for 55 years, the Plymouth School Board for 10 years, and Trustee for the St. Mary’s Township for 10 years. Tommy was a lifelong supporter and contributor to the Plymouth Old Settlers annual community celebration and was honored as the Grand Marshal for his unwavering dedication.
Tommy had many hobbies throughout the years, one of which gave him not only local, regional, and state recognition, but national as well – the tractor pulling era. Tommy enjoyed and participated in tractor pulling his entire life in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. In 1969 he proudly won the First National Championship Title in Louisville, Kentucky, of which he was featured in various farm publications.
Aside from tractor pulling, he enjoyed golf, shooting pool, and showing livestock. Lest we not forget, not only did Tommy work hard, but he played even harder – he knew how to have a “good time”!
Tommy was definitely a man of the land, a man of his community, and a man of unwavering determination.
He is survived by his children, Byron (Julie) Thompson of Augusta, Dale (Mary) Thompson of Macomb, Linda (Jay) Cremer of Macomb, Michelle (Justin) Hinderliter of Lewistown, step daughter Kim (Rick) Dormire of Clayton, step sons Jason (Tiffany) Kern of Camp Point, John Kern of Jacksonville, FL, along with 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Thompson, his brother Loron Thompson, and his parents.
Cremation will be accorded and a private graveside services will be held at a later date at St. Marys Cemetery.
Jones Mortuary in Colchester is helping the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Tri-County Fire & Rescue Protection District, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Plymouth Old Settler’s or to the MDH Home Health Care. Condolences and memories can be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com.
