Joseph D. “Joe” Thompson passed away on Dec. 12, 2024 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 65.
He was born on March 5, 1959 in Salinas, Calif. to Stella and Cecil Thompson.
Joe was raised in Gonzales, Calif. until his family moved to Hermiston when Joe was a junior in high school, where he became a lifelong Bulldog. He graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1977. Joe later attended Oregon State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and became an avid Beaver fan. He then returned to Hermiston to the family business, Eastside Market. Eastside was the place to gather to talk sports or anything else that was on your mind. Joe’s love of sports lead him into the radio sports show, The Tailgate Show, and he was the voice of the Bulldogs at the Hermiston football stadium for over 25 years. Joe operated Eastside Market until he retired and his focus was on his eight grandchildren, and he seldom missed a Hermiston sporting event cheering on the Bulldogs.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Thompson; children, Alex Thompson and Mitch Thompson; stepchildren, Molly (Dennis) Loyola, Luke (Heather) Davis and Jessica (Tanner) Britt; grandchildren, Riley, Jack, Theo, JT, Raegan, Emma, Rya and Riggs; and brothers, Skip Thompson, Mark Thompson and Gregg Thompson.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
Contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the HHS Sports Boosters.
Please share memories of Joe with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
