Sunday, November 22, 2009

Chester John Thompson, Football Star

Chester John "Red" Thompson was born September 8, 1910, to Jay and Clara (Schoenewald) Thompson. Chester was the star center of the Sandusky Eagles football team. He also played football for Sandusky High School and the Sandusky Maroons.

A serious automobile accident claimed the life of Chester J. Thompson on October 3, 1932, as the football team was traveling home from Akron to Sandusky on October 2nd. The car's other passengers, Dallas Biechele, Allan Wuertz, Russell Furrer, and Edward Schaeffer, all received minor injuries. Mr. Thompson's funeral was held at the Andres Funeral Home on October 4, 1932, and he was buried at Oakland Cemetery.

A football is found at the top of his tombstone. Chester J. Thompson was just twenty two years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his parents, a sister Helen, and a brother Ellsworth. Chester's life was cut so short, that he did not have a chance to marry and have a family. A photo of Chester J. Thompson appears in the August 18, 1935 issue of the Sandusky Register, along with his teammates from Sandusky High School. An obituary for Chester Thompson is found in the October 5, 1932 Sandusky Register.

4 comments:

Amy Coffin, MLIS said...

Sad story, but that marker is a nice tribute. Thanks for providing the back story. P.S. Your name is my middle name. :)

Dorene from Ohio said...

Well it is nice to meet another person with Dorene in their name! :)

P.S. One of Chester's football buddies used to be my aunt's neighbor. He was a great guy!

Greta Koehl said...

A touching story - it is so sad to see how many young people from my parents' generation were killed in accidents like this.

PalmsRV said...

A reminder of those who had bright futures cut short.