Thomas Lampson

View a Video Memorial Thomas Lampson, 81, of Galesburg, died at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at home. He was born on March 5, 1930 in Kewanee the son of Clarence and Irene R. (Allison) Lampson.  Tom married Ruth E. Thompson on September 25, 1949 in Cambridge.  He is survived by his wife, Ruth of Galesburg; 2 sons, Michael (Jeanne Collier-Lampson) Lampson of Galesburg and Sheldon Lampson of Arlington, TX; one daughter, Linda (Barney) Price of Galesburg; his grandchildren, Shannon Mullin, Dawn Childers, Christian Price, Justin Price, Rachel and Naomi Lampson; and 7 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by one brother, Irvin Lampson of Tacoma, WA; 2 sisters, Juanita Johnson and Ruth Stoner both of Kewanee; 3 foster sisters, Dorothy Pontsler of Kewanee,  Mildred Branic of Wisconsin Dells, WI and Lorna Bjurstrom of Rockford: one foster brother, Gerald (Marie) Pontsler of  Rock Falls; one foster sister-in-law, Joan Pontsler of Rio Rancho, NM.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his foster parents Serick Clark and Edna Pontsler;  one brother, David A. Lampson;  one foster brother, Clark Pontsler;  one foster sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Wilson Chase;  two foster brother-in-laws,  Edwin Bjurstrom  and Lindsay Branic; and one brother in infancy. Tom was a partner in Pearson and Lampson Auto Repair in Galesburg for many years.  He then worked at Learsh Dodge in Galesburg as a mechanic.  Tom last worked at Gates Rubber Company as a maintenance mechanic until his retirement.  Tom enjoyed shooting guns and was an avid hunter.  He was a long time member of the National Rifle Association.  Always a meticulous perfectionist he enjoyed making and building different and unique items at home and at work. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Watson Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne D. Miller officiating.  Burial will follow in West Jersey Cemetery, West Jersey.  Visitation will be held Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the NRA or to the American Cancer Society.