Stephen L. “Opie” Thompson, 70, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 10:40 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at his home.
He was born on January 26, 1956, the son of Daryl “Pete” and Carolyn (Bowlyou) Thompson, in LaHarpe, Illinois. He married Tina Alecock on August 31, 1973, in Burlington, Iowa. Steve was part of the class of 1974 at Union High School, where he proudly graduated early to pursue his career with Burlington Northern Railroad. He dedicated 42 years to BNSF where he worked as a machinist and served as the BNSF Local IAM & AW Union Steward at the West Burlington, Iowa shop for over 20 years of his career. He also served as General Chairman for IAM & AW District 19. It was during his time with the railroad that he was lovingly given the nickname “Opie” by all of those who worked alongside and looked up to him.
Steve’s greatest blessing was his family. He deeply loved his wife Tina, whom he celebrated 52 years of marriage with. Together they had three children, and eight grandchildren, all of which were Steve’s pride and joy.
Steve enjoyed being involved in the community where he helped Tina with the Henderson County Food Pantry. He served as a member of the Oquawka Township Board and took great pride in maintaining the Oquawka Cemetery. Steve was an avid gardener and loved to BBQ.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Daryl “Pete” Thompson; brothers, David and Daryld Thompson; and his father-in-law, Vern Alecock.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Tina; son, Jason (Jenny) Thompson, of Washington, Illinois; daughter, Nicole (Trent) Steeg, of Chillicothe, Illinois; son, Jarod (Aimee) Thompson, of Grain Valley, Missouri; brother, Michael (Lisa) Thompson, of Oquawka, Illinois; and sister, Kathy (Mark) Ray, of Mountain Green, Utah. Steve is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Darion Thompson, Michaela (Bryce) Thompson-Willett, Ryley (Lauren) Thompson, Connor Thompson, Delaney Thompson, Jacob Steeg, Kieren Thompson, and Ashlin Thompson.
A visitation in Steve’s honor will be held on Friday , March 20, 2026, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Oquawka, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded to follow the visitation and a private burial will take place at a later date in the Oquawka Cemetery. Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to Oquawka Toy Drive or Henderson County Health Department in Gladstone, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
