Brian Lee Thompson

THOMPSON, Brian Lee (49), an electrician who lived in Charlestown, IN, shocked us all when his light went out unexpectedly on July 23, 2023. He worked for Southern Indiana Electrical & HVAC in Corydon, IN.

Brian was a man of few words, but when he had something to say, it was usually colorful, and peppered with a few choice profanities. He rarely engaged in conversations unless he was with his closest family members, preferring to sit quietly in front of the TV or close to a fire, so we always got a charge when he would suddenly throw out a correct answer to a trivia question that stumped the rest of us. Brian was a die-hard Indiana University fan, and yet he never watched any of their sporting events, (except maybe when passing by as his KY loving wife, who grudgingly would be watching an IU game for him).

He was a handy guy to have around, helping family members with projects around their homes, and he enjoyed cooking from time to time. His holiday ham (his mom’s recipe) would make your mouth water, and he was known to knock back a beer or two, or three, while fixing something, whether it was a meal or something that a family member needed help with. Brian also adored his cat, Peanut, and looked forward to coming home from work each day where Peanut would greet him.

Brian was born in Salem, IN to Robert Thompson and Gloria “Jean” Barnett McKnight on December 8, 1973, but grew up in Marengo, IN, where he attended Paoli High School. He met the love of his life, Gretchen Ann (Deutsch) LeBlanc and the sparks flew! They married June 27, 2009 and after they wed, he helped raise and loved her two sons, Zachary T. Deutsch and Nicholas D. LeBlanc, as if they were his own.

Brian is survived by his wife, Gretchen; two sons, Zachary & Nicholas; father, Robert Thompson; step-father, Bill McKnight; his twin brother, Brad Thompson and brothers, Brent (Amber) Thompson, James McKnight, and JR McKnight; nieces, Destiny Thompson, Gracie Thompson, and Kristina McKnight; many aunts and uncles; and his cat, Peanut.

His mom, Gloria “Jean” Barnett McKnight preceded him in death, as well as his grandparents, Woodrow & Thelma Barnett and Clifton & Geneva Thompson; and cats, Lizzy and Boots.

Never one to make a fuss or want to be fussed over, Brian would much prefer everyone get together and enjoy their day, perhaps drink a beer in his honor, or take a nap in the shade of a tree and may your dreams be of a happier time when he made you laugh or smile.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16th at 12 noon, at the Valeene Christian Church, located at 8400 S. County Rd 325 E, Marengo, IN. Visitation starts at 11am.

Cremation was chosen, arrangements were made through The Neptune Society.