Kevin Wade Thompson, 73, of Lomax, Illinois, passed away at 5:50 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
Kevin was born December 20, 1952 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Robert H. and Joyce Thompson and Nancy (Osburn) Pennock. Earlier in life, he married Debra Musgrove. They later divorced. On May 1, 1987 he married Teresa Ann Brown in Lawton, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on December 21, 2021.
Mr. Thompson was a 1970 graduate of Dallas City High School. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army; serving as a Field Artillery Surveyor and Unit Supply Sergeant. He was Honorably Discharged after 17 years of service. Following his service, he received his teaching certificate. He taught for Vision Quest in Arizona and Florida, before returning to Lomax, where he continued to substitute teach at local schools.
Kevin was an avid sports fan, he especially enjoyed following his family members’ sporting events and his beloved Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed helping others and would often volunteer to drive other Veterans to their appointments when needed.
Survivors include one son: Terry (Miriam) Thompson of Orlando, Florida; one daughter: Tammy (Josh) Resendez of McGregor, Texas; one step-daughter: Sue Ann Huckaby of Macomb, Illinois, step-mother: Joyce Thompson of Lomax; five grandchildren: Josiah Thompson, Gabriella Thompson, Avery Thompson, Dalton Thulen and Ashton Thulen; five sisters: Rhonda Foley of Burlington, Melanie (Rick) Evans of Lomax, Leana Yard of LaHarpe, Andrea Thompson of Cedar Rapids and Marie (Robert) Berry of Lomax; numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend: JuJu of West Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Karl Thompson and two nieces: Nichole Harman and Tracy Harman.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
As per Kevin’s wishes, no services are planned at this time. A memorial fund has been established for Mosaic of Macomb. Memorials and cards may be sent to the Kevin Thompson Memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, PO Box 503, LaHarpe, Illinois 61450.
La Von Joyce Vantiger, 92, of Mediapolis, formerly of West Point, died Friday, September 4, 2026, at Azria Health Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis. She was born April 22, 1934, to James Earl Knous and Velda Louise Anderson Pearson. She was raised a mile and a half south of Lowell and was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. La Von was a member of the Denmark Congregational Church where she sang in the church choir and also for weddings and funerals.
She married George Dennis Moore and they later divorced. She then married Carl W. Vantiger who preceded her in death.
La Von spent many years working in floral nurseries and was an accomplished artist having sold many of her oil paintings. She loved flowers; working in her flower beds; and vegetable gardening, at one time having fifty two pots! She raised her grandson Steven and her great-grandson Zachery until he was ten years old. Her claim to fame is being on radio station WHO, singing with Fred Astaire and Songfellos at the age of fifteen.
Survivors include her daughter Deborah Carter of West Burlington; son Jeffrey (Penny) Vantiger of Ft. Madison; half-brothers Larry (Berta) Pearson of New London and Gary (Denise) Knous of Sperry; half-sister Judy (Wes) Knous-Bruning of Oregon; seven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband Carl, she was preceded in death by half-brothers Leon Pearson and Ronnie Knous; and her sister Ann Thornton.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a private family burial will be held at Burge Cemetery, rural New London. Cards or memorials may be sent to Deborah Carter, 507 Vernon, Apartment 312, West Burlington, Iowa 52655. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
