Warren T. Thompson, age 99, of Troy, OH passed away peacefully and with dignity at Ohio's Hospice of Miami County (Troy, OH) at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He began his life in Nolan, WV on June 6, 1926, being born to his late parents William "Willie" Thompson and Lenora "Nora" (Elkins) Thompson West. Willie unfortunately passed away shortly after Warren was born, allowing Nora's second husband, Wayne West, to become his dad.

On July 1, 1955, in Troy, OH, Warren married a wonderfully kind woman from Meta, KY, Betty "Bette" L. Elswick. They celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 2005 and were able to add almost seven more years before Betty succumbed to cancer in April 2012. They had 56 years of marriage where they shared a lifetime of love and countless treasured memories.

He leaves behind three grandchildren: Dean (Regina) Joins of Conover, OH, Deirdre "Dee Dee" Joins of Troy, OH, Brian (Brandy) Joins of Troy, OH; eight great-grandchildren: [Casi (Joe) Hardin, Joshua-Lee Joins], [Jessica Pemberton, Dylan Joins, Amber Joins], [Taylor (Keith) Vonderhuevel, Brian Joins II, Evan Joins]; twelve great-great grandchildren: [Austin, Dalton, Presley, London], [Payton, Leia, Jameson, Jackson, Darci], [Jaxson, Paisley, Bonnie]. In addition, he also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. This includes his dear nephew Floyd (Karoline) Canada, their daughter Carrie (Shane) Hatfield, and their son Cody, all of Pikeville, KY. Amongst many great neighbors and friends he leaves behind, two were his very best friends, Mike and Pam Bennett of Youngsville, NC.  Aside from his parents and wife, other family preceding him in death include: son, Gene Joins; siblings: Lassie "Shorty" (Thompson) West, Grace "Gracie" (Thompson) Booten, James "Frank" Thompson; half-siblings: Shirley (West) Zank, Harlan West, Martha "Carol" (West) Howard, Audrey "Kitty" (West) Stump.

Warren grew up in the mining community of Williamson, WV, which is in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. While living there, he worked as a brakeman for the Norfolk & Western Railway and stayed at the YMCA for his living arrangements. In 1944, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he would then enter WWII, being stationed in Germany and Czechoslovakia. Upon returning to the United States and completing his service, he continued back at the railroad. One day two men announced that Troy, OH had a company called Hobart Brothers looking to hire, and anyone interested were welcome to hop in their vehicle. So, in 1954, Warren quickly grabbed his belongings and set off on his next adventure. However, his first job in Troy was as a school bus driver, then he went on to start work at Hobart Brothers as a truck driver. In 1988, he finally retired after working there for over 30 years, but soon decided he wasn't quite finished working yet and topped off with another 20+ years at True Value in Troy as a stock attendant and cashier. In his early years of living in Troy, he also helped in the building of new houses for Archer in the Cookson School area.

One notable event for Warren was in May 2010, when he was invited to take a tour of Washington, D.C., as part of the Shelby County Vets to D.C. group, out of Sidney. He joined other WWII and Korean Veterans by bus to visit their respective war memorials. Another special moment was when a trio of local Veteran volunteers with the American Pride group pinned, acknowledged, and thanked him for his service in WWII, while he was recently under hospice care.

Prior to world changing events in 2020, he found purpose and joy for many years, preparing Sunday morning coffee at Troy Christian Church. He was also a member of the local VFW, American Legion, and the Troy Fish & Game. He liked cars, hats, guns, watching westerns, sweets (especially chocolate), and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Plus, he was fondly known as a "regular" at the local Bob Evans and Frisch's Big Boy restaurants.

Warren was a very patriotic man, making sure his flag at home was displayed outside as often as possible. He loved to tell stories to anyone who'd listen and he didn't know a stranger. He was considered to be an ornery, stubborn, and feisty man, but those were outshined by his hardworking, independent, reliable, and determined side. However, he will always be affectionately remembered by some of his grandchildren simply as, Pa.

His family would like to thank the Kettering Hospital staff and Ohio's Hospice of Miami County, both located in Troy, for giving Warren their thoughtful and gentle care. His family would also like to thank those who called, messaged, or visited while in his final hours here on earth. At 99 years old with his grit and determination, we truly thought he'd live to see 120! However, we understand and accept that God's time is not the same as our time, and know that we will one day be reunited with him.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy, OH with Pastor Chris Heiss officiating (View the live stream of the service: Live Stream ). Interment to follow immediately in Miami Memorial Park, Covington, OH, where Warren will receive military honors. His family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Troy Christian Church, 1440 E. St. Rt. 55, Troy, OH 45373. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Troy Christian Church
1440 East St. Rt. 55, Troy, OH 45373,