Lawrence “Ed” Thompson, 78, of Franklin, passed away peacefully in his sleep September 22, 2016.

He was born February 23, 1938 in Birdsville, Kentucky, the son of Clarence and Mary Thompson.  Ed served 4 years in the U.S. Navy.  He was a partner in GTC Industries.  Ed was the former Post Commander at American Legion Post #252 in Greenwood for 5 years.  He was a Past-President of the Indiana Senior Golf Association.  He developed the Clothe a Child Program for the American Legion 18 years ago.  He was a member of the Scottish Rite and was a Shrine Mason.  Ed loved the game of golf.

Ed is survived by his wife, Marilyn “Lynn” Thompson; his son, Raymond (Kathy); grandchildren, Andrew Thompson and Samantha Brown; great-granddaughter, Lillian Gibson; 2 step-sons, Jeffrey (Michelle) Connell in South Carolina, and Scott (Cassidy) Connell in Kentucky; 5 step-grandchildren, Cheney, Aidan, Grayson, Keegan, and Collins Connell; a sister, Clara Mae Fulkerson in Lanesville, Indiana; 2 brothers, Roy Allen (Marilyn) Thompson and Louis Reed Thompson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sandra; sister, Frances Imogene Massey and her husband Jack; sister-in-law, Edie Thompson.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at American Legion Post #252, 334 US 31 S, Greenwood, IN  46142 on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

He will be remembered as a very loving, giving, caring, good friend who was generous to a fault.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Indiana National Guard Relief Fund, 711 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN  46204 and American Legion Post #252 Clothe a Child Fund, 334 US 31 South, Greenwood, IN  46142.  Arrangements by Indiana Funeral Care.