Charles Jeffrey Thompson, loved by everyone

Charles “Jeff” Jeffrey Thompson, 78, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at his home in Lewes, with his loving wife of 45 years, Lillian Thompson, at his side. 

He was born in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 17, 1946, the third of six children born to Charles “Jack” and Flora “Chris” Thompson. He attended St. Mary’s school and City College in Baltimore, and upon graduating in 1964, enlisted in the Air Force and went to Vietnam, where he served until 1968. 

During that time, he married Mary “Kathleen” Horton, and they had a daughter, Kristen, who passed away at 5 with an advanced brain condition. He also had a son, Robert, whom they adopted at birth in 1969. He and Kathleen divorced in 1974. In 1979, he married Lillian Marie Standiford of Baltimore, Md., and they remained married until his passing in January. 

Following his return from the service, he attended the University of Baltimore and later embarked on his sales career in the medical device industry, starting with ear instruments and then orthopedic implants, focusing on the hip and knee. After a successful sales career, he worked with his wife as an appraiser until full retirement, when they moved to Lewes in 2011.  

Jeff had a genuine and infectious personality that endeared him to nearly everyone he knew or met. He would always take an interest in your conversation and have something interesting to add. Above all, he had a comforting presence and was quick to laugh. 

He was extremely principled in his views of work, financial discipline, and commitment to finding joy in life. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing with anyone who would join him and was friends with a wide golfing “family” in Baltimore and Lewes. His circle of friends extended to his church, VFW, American Legion, the Lewes Rusty Nail Gang, and The Ridings neighborhood, as well as siblings and family, all of whom will miss him greatly. 

He also enjoyed seeing the world with his friends and family, whether on cruises or independent trips. For him, travel was a way to experience wonder and make memories with the people close to him. 

While he was loved by all, everyone knew that his most important companion in this journey of life was his wife, Lillian. Together, they lived on their devotion to each other and the laughter they shared. 

In addition to his wife, Jeff is survived by his son, Robert; daughter-in-law, Fiona; and granddaughter, Raven. He is also survived by his brothers, Wayne (Mona, Carol), Stephen “Rick” (Donna) and William “Bill" Thompson (Kathy); sister, Mary Peterson (Randy, Tim); brothers-in-law, Butch and Charles Standiford (Michelle). He was beloved by his nieces and nephews Paul, Amy, Eric, Brad, JD, Stefanie, Christy, Dawn, Jamie, Kelly and Jay; 15 great-nieces and -nephews; and two great-great-nephews. His sister, Virginia "Betty" Cruise (Dave), predeceased him in 2021.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Groome Church, Lewes. Interment will be at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville, Md.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Groome Church, groomechurchlewes.org; or Living Classrooms, livingclassrooms.org/donate.