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1947-2026
LISBON -- Robert E. "Rob" Thompson, 78, passed away Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 at Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness.
Rob was born Dec. 9, 1947 in Salem, a son of the late John Thomas "Tom" Thompson and the late Corda (Harvey) Thompson.
A 1966 graduate of Lisbon David Anderson High School, Rob also graduated from the Youngstown Technical Institute, before embarking on a career with the highway department of the Columbiana County Engineers Office, retiring after 30 years of faithful service.
Rob also proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War and was a member of the Lison VFW Post 4111.
He was also a Christian and enjoyed worshipping at home, faithfully following Robert Shuller's "Hour of Power" and later the Crystal Cathedral.
Rob had many passions. He loved NASCAR and followed the sport closely for many years and was able to recall many interesting facts about drivers and particular races, and he was recognized for his loyal attendance at the races in Michigan. Rob also had a soft heart for cats; many he rescued and many he provided food and shelter. He will also be remembered as a true "Ford Man." He always ordered his Fords, always in some shade of Red, so he could be the first to sit in the seats.
Rob is survived and will be dearly remembered by his niece, Susan (Peter) Kearns of Salem; his nephew, Tom (Rona) Wilson of Lake Mohawk; great-nieces and -nephews, Brian (Malia) Yorlano of East Liverpool, Daniel (Abby) Kearns of Ida Grove, Iowa, James Kearns of Salem, Ashley (Jason) Hoopes of Columbus, Samantha (Michael) Caligaris of Cincinnati and Amanda Richmond of Dover, Ohio;10 great-great-nieces and -nephews, and cousins, Greg (Sandy) Apple of Lisbon, Shawn Apple of Guilford Lake, Donald (Mickie) Thompson, David (Kay) Thompson, and Dan (Jill) Thompson, all of Columbiana.
In addition to his parents, Robert was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jim Wilson.
A celebration of Rob's life will be held at a later date, and private burial will take place at the Columbiana County Memorial Park.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Rob's memory to Angels for Animals at www.angelsforanimals.org
Friends may also view Rob's memorial tribute page, share a memory, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.com.
8/6/26