Charles W. Thompson was born September 9, 1917 to Albert and Marian Thompson. He was the second of 11 children. His father was a mason contractor.

On April 13, 1940, he married W. Elaine Rafter, the middle child of Frank N. and Elva A. Rafter. Elaine's father had a college degree and her mother had been a school teacher.

Charles spent time in the Navy, the attended Marion College, Spring Arbor Jr. College and graduated from Bethel College at Mishawaka, Ind. with an A.B. degree -- a major in Bible and a minor in Greek. During the last 3 years of college, he pastored Bethel Chapel, a country independent church near Bedford, Michigan.

Together with their 4 children, they pastored in the Missionary Church 29 years: East Jordan; Pontiac, (Stringham); Yale, (Bethel); Bad Axe; and Cass City, (Mizpah).

In 1979 he changed his credentials to the Free Methodist Church, East Michigan Conference, pastoring 14 years: Flint, (Rosevelt Avenue); Turner, and Standish. He retired in 1993 and has served a Minister of Visitation at Countryside in Sandusky, Michigan since 1994.

His duties include 2 bible studies each week and Sunday services at Autumnwood of Deckerville on the first Sunday of each month, plus visitation of sick and elderly in various facilities and homes.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Elaine Thompson went home to be with the Lord January 22, 2007. Memorial service was held at Countryside on January 27, 2007. Rev. Paul A. Castle, Rev. Brent Kriesch, and grandson Rev. Phillip Hortop officiated.