Robert E. Thompson

Robert E. Thompson died October 7, 2020 at Harrison’s Crossing Health Campus after many years battling multiple health issues.  “Bob” is survived by his wife of 51 years, Martha, daughter Amy Thompson Hock (Jeffrey) of Terre Haute, son Andrew Thompson (Rachael) of Encinitas, CA, five grandchildren, Mary and Hailey Hock of Terre Haute and Robert, Madeline, and William Thompson of Encinitas, CA, and a sister, Mary “Cookie” Dooley (Jerry) of Terre Haute.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Thompson, father, Robert Thompson, and his brother, William “Billy” Thompson.

Born January 10, 1941 in Terre Haute, he attended St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated from Schulte High School.  His long association with Indiana State University began as he earned his bachelor and master’s degree in business.  In 1968, he joined the University as Director of Conferences and Special Events.  While working full-time, he earned a doctorate in higher education from Indiana University in Bloomington.

Bob’s long career at Indiana State University included roles as Executive Vice President of the University Foundation, Interim Vice President of University Advancement, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, Director of University Community Relations, and Director of Marketing.  Among his many contributions to ISU were the development of the University’s first comprehensive marketing plan, attracting Hoosier Boys and Girls State to the campus, and serving as State president of Indiana Special Olympics.  He was instrumental in the closing of Chestnut Street to create a safer, more attractive campus.  In addition to convincing Bob Hope to host a TV special from the ISU campus, Bob arranged a meeting among University leaders, ISU gymnast, Kurt Thomas, and President Carter in the Oval Office following the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

In 1984, Bob joined the ISU School of Business as a faculty member in the Department of Marketing where he continued to make substantial contributions to the University until his retirement as a tenured professor in 2006.  He created the Department’s first classes in non-profit marketing, and he assisted in obtaining a $20 million dollar gift from the Lilly Endowment to create the Networks Financial Institute at ISU.  Bob was a gifted teacher and was recognized with the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award, the ISU School of Business Excellence in Teaching Award, and the ISU School of Business Faculty Service Award.  His contributions to ISU were recognized with the William Albert Jones Award for Outstanding Counsel to the University President and the Presidential Medal, which is the highest award presented to a University faculty member.  Bob taught as an adjunct professor in IU’s Kelley School of Business and as an exchange professor in Vienna, Austria.

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 12, 2020 in St. Joseph University Parish, 113 South 5 ^th Street, with Fr. Savio Manavalan, OFM Conv. officiating.  Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 4:00-7:00 PM in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25 ^th Street.  If friends should so desire memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674;  TREES, Inc., P.O. Box 3683, Terre Haute, IN 47803 or to the charity of your choice.  Funeral information and the opportunity to share your special memories of Bob can be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .