Leonard Thompson, Jr.

Leonard Leon Thompson, Jr., was born on August 23, 1963 to Leonard Leon Thompson, Sr. and Rosetta (Bates) Thompson at Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet, IL. He departed this life unexpectedly on January 4, 2020 at Arnita St. Joseph Hospital, Joliet. Leonard was the second oldest of five children. He was affectionately known as "Brother".

Leonard accepted Christ at an early age and was Baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr.

Leonard graduated from Washington Jr. High School and Joliet East High School class of 1981 where he played basketball. He loved sports, especially basketball and football. After graduating from high school, he attended Joliet Jr. College where he also played basketball. He was also an assistant coach for the Titans Youth Football team and the Head Coach at the Smith Family YMCA Youth Basketball team.

Leonard enlisted in United States Army and continued his education and graduated from Saint Augustine University, Raleigh, NC., receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Social Services. Our brother received his degree in Criminal Justice but our family often said, "He should have been a lawyer" he could talk his way out of anything. Leonard loved the political arena and he loved debating. He ran for the Will County Executive Board and several times for Will County Board. He had a heart for the citizens of Will County.

Leonard was employed by several companies: Illinois Youth Center, Stateville Correctional Center, St. Joseph Hospital and Will County Workforce Development.

Leonard is preceded in death by his long-time companion, Pamela Alexander; maternal grandparents, Herman Bates, Sr. and Ernestine Bates; paternal grandparents, William "Bill" Thompson and Ada Thompson; maternal great-grandparents, Glen Bates, Sr. and Clantha Bates; and Clarence McGowan and Annie Bell Johnson; aunt, Kimberly (Bates) Holloman; uncle, William (Doug) Thompson; and great-aunt, Ella Daniels.

He leaves to cherish his memories his parents, Leonard Leon Thompson, Sr. and Rosetta Thompson; four sons, Kevin Scott Travis, Leonard Leon Thompson Ill (Maya), Daniel Thompson, and Braxton Thompson; two daughters, Tianna Robinson, and Eseena Hamms; three granddaughters, Kevy'Arra Antinise Travis, K'Yanna Michelle Travis, and Kay'mani Dante Travis; four grandsons, Ja'Den E'Lijah Cole, Jordan l'zarah Thompson and JaCion Leonard Thompson (due May 2020) and Cortez Travis Brown; two sisters, Leslie Thompson, and Rebecca (Michael) Travis; two brothers, Christopher Thompson, and Michael (Theresa) Duncan; god-sister, Monica Dorice Smith; aunts, Dorcas Shoemaker, Allison Bates, Bonnie Smith, Helen (Albert) Washington, and  Maxine Boykin; uncles, Clarence Bates, Douglas Pinnick, Herman Bates, Jr., Timothy (Francine) Bates, Charles Bates, Billy Boy Thompson, and Louis Thompson; great-aunts, Rosie Harris, and Bobbie Nell Easley; great-uncle, Clybourn Bates; special cousins, Jeanette Green, Gloria Green, and Kashima Davis; and life-long friends, Larry McClay, and John; special friend, Addie “Tockie” Draper; and special cousin, Richard Redmond.

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