Jon Robert Thompson, 64 of Port Neches, Texas passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at his family camp house in Barnum, Texas.
Jon Robert “Bob” was born on August 3, 1958, in Port Arthur, Texas to Lela Bernice St. Clair Thompson and Jon Bob Thompson. He graduated from Port Neches Groves High School in 1977. He was a retired pipefitter and welder for Huntsman Chemical in Port Neches. Jon was also a former member of First United Methodist Church in Port Neches. He lived most of his life in Port Neches, Texas.
To know Bob meant you knew he was an avid outdoorsman. A lifelong hunter and fisherman who knew the waters of the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast and the Piney Woods of East Texas as well as anyone. He loved it all and the only thing that came close to hunting and fishing was telling stories of it all. Deer, elk, Squirrel, rabbit, hogs, ducks, geese, alligators, frog gigging, salt water red fish, red snapper, flounder, fresh water bass, white perch, catfish.
He and his wife were accomplished salt water fishermen; participating and competing in Saltwater Anglers League of Texas tournaments for several years. He enjoyed fishing in the Cameron area, had a home in Holly Beach, La. for years, was a member of The Volunteer Fire Department, and had many dear friends in that community.
Bob loved his dogs and they were always a big part of what he did. Labrador Retrievers and duck hunting as a young man, then he raised, trained, and competed with his beloved Catahoula Cur dogs in local Hog Baying events.
Earlier In his life he had horses and rodeoed all through his high school years. Calf Roping of all kinds was his event. He has many cherished friends from those early days.
He was widely known for his cooking; making his own venison and pork sausage. Fish fries, fried crabs, shrimp or crawfish boils…he loved cooking for family, friends, and neighbors whenever he got the chance.
Biggest of all of his loves were his friends. He had a big heart and loved them with his whole soul. He cherished them all whether they be lifelong or a recent acquaintance.
Jon Robert leaves behind his sister, Sue Softy and her husband Doug of the Woodlands, Texas; nephew, Adam Softy, his wife Amanda and his great niece Everlee of Antioch, Illinois ; nephew, Jon Chase Nicotre of The Woodlands; his aunt, Elizabeth Ann Thompson of Houston; uncle John Boudreaux of Houston; his uncle, Tommy Thompson and his wife Sandy Thompson of Huntsville and numerous cousins who loved him dearly.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda Bonin Thompson who passed away on October 31, 2021 and his parents, Jon Bob and Bernice Thompson.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Melancon Funeral Home in Nederland. A “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service to Honor the Memory of Jon Robert Thompson will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday the 25th at the funeral home.
After the service, family and friends are invited to the Neches Wheel House for an informal gathering to lift a toast to Jon Robert, enjoy each other’s company and many memories. Private family cremation services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, “Memorial Contributions” can be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife at https://secure2.convio.net/pwft/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400 or ASPCA at https://www.aspca.org/ in Memory of Jon Robert Thompson.