Obituary of Oliver Thompson, Sr.
Oliver Thompson, Sr.
GIG Oliver Thompson, Sr., passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Joliet, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on September 21, 1949, in Louin, Mississippi, to the late Oscar and Ola Mae (née Sims) Thompson. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Oliver was a dedicated entrepreneur who, alongside his wife Lydia, owned and operated O.L. Thompson Transport Service, Inc. for nearly 40 years, as well as Thompson Electric. He was a member of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association and the Illinois Trucking Association, and also participated actively in several other organizations, including True Lodge #136, Marquette Consistory #104, and Al Hamid Temple #222. Oliver also served as an associate member of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Joliet Chapter. Oliver found great joy in fellowship, attending weekly Wednesday gatherings with fellow veterans and performing with Talent Among Friends (TAF). Among his greatest pleasures were spending time outdoors gardening, grilling, and golfing. He especially enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends.
Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ola Mae Thompson; his son, Oliver Thompson, Jr.; and his siblings, Earnest, LC, Adolph, Juanita, Ruthie Mae, Annie Ruth (Lois), and Carrie.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Lydia; his daughters, Nicole Thompson Wilson and Alicia Hall; his grandson, Desmond Wilson; his granddaughter, Brandi Hall; his sister, Diane (Robert) Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Funeral services for Oliver Thompson, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois. Interment will follow at Brown Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, with full military honors conducted under the auspices of the United States Army. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the funeral home chapel from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m.
For more information please, call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
