John Dockery Thompson

JOHN D. THOMPSON, DIES OF HEART TROUBLE
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Designed Some of Most Beautiful Structures in Wilmington
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PROMINENT CLUBMAN
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Sudden, Death, in Height of Career, Shocks Relatives and Friends
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John Dockery Thompson, Jr., 52 years old, president of the firm of John Dockery Thompson, Jr., Inc., architects with offices in the Ford Building, and one of the most prominent architects of this city, died suddenly yesterday afternoon from an attack of heart trouble.

Mr. Thompson arrived at his office yesterday morning, apparently in the best of health, but upon feeling rather fatigued during the early part of the afternoon, retired to his home, 405 West Twentieth street, where he was stricken at 3:45 o'clock. Dr. William V. Marshall, his physician, was immediately called, pronouncing him dead.

Mr. Thompson designed some of the finest buildings in the city. He had just completed the plans for the new Elks Home, which will be built at the old site, between Eleventh and Twelfth street, on Market, and at the time of his death was working on the alteration plans for the Miller Brothers furniture company, and the rebuilding of the old Kell Building at Seventh and Market streets, along with other minor architectural operations.

Helped Design Municipal Building

He was the associate architect with the firm of Palmer, Hornbossell and Palmer, of New York, in designing the Municipal Building at Tenth and King streets, several years ago. Among other buildings designed by Mr. Thompson in this city are the Union National Bank, at Eighth and Market, and the two Dure Buildings, one at 811 Market, and the other at 707 Market street.

Death, coming as it did, while Mr. Thompson was at the heighth of his career and apparently while he was in the best of health, was a very severe shock to his family, and his many friends and acquaintances in this city. The heart attack is thought to have been brought on as the result of a congested lung condition suffered by him about two months ago

Was Ardent Clubman

Besides his many business activities and affiliations, Mr. Thompson was an ardent clubman. In the Masonic fraternity, he was a member of the St. John's Commandery, Knights Templars, Temple Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and Delta Chapter, R. A. M. He was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Kiwanis Club and the American Institute of Architects.

Mr. Thompson was born in this city, moving to Philadelphia early in his youth with his parents. He returned here about fifteen years ago, working as an associate architect with Frank Carswell, whom he succeeded at death.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel R., and one daughter, Mary Patricia Thompson.

Funeral services will be conducted at his late residence Monday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. F. Hasskarl, of the German Lutheran Church, and the Rev. Allan F. Poore, of McCabe M. E, Church, officiating. Members of St. John's Commandery, Knights Templar, will have charge of the funeral. Interment will be made in Riverview cemetery.

(Wilmington Morning News, Wilmington, DE, 6 Jun 1924 (Friday), Page 1)