Final Salute

With his loving wife, Jean at his side, Malcolm Bemis Thompson quietly passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, in his beloved family home, built by his parents in 1959, on N. Ridge Rd. in Lorain.

Born January 23, 1946, Malcolm grew up on North Ridge, surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived next door and loved him like a brother. He graduated from Clearview High School in 1964, where he had great success as an offensive guard on the CHS football team, as well as appearing on stage in some of the school productions. His love for Clearview was rooted in the fact that his grandfather, Clifford A. Bemis, was one of the founders of Clearview High School (first established as Highland High School), and his mother, Margaret Bemis Thompson, served on the Clearview School Board for decades. In later years, he continued supporting CHS as his son, Chandler also received his education in the Clearview School system.

Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie (where his family enjoyed their summers at their cottage on the grounds of the 103rd OVI in Sheffield Lake), Malcolm furthered his love for being on the water, working for a time as a deck hand for the Great Lakes Freighter Company, sailing all throughout the Great Lakes. And his love for sailing on his 28ft sailboat only added to the hours of enjoyment he got from being on the water.

When he decided to serve in our country’s military in 1965, it was only natural for him to choose the U.S. Navy. He served three tours of duty during the Vietnam War as a proud Navy Seabee, the division of the Navy responsible for construction and combat support. Their motto, ‘We Build, We Fight,’ as well as their unofficial motto, ‘Can Do!’ summed up not only his military service, but also his commitment to family, friends, and Veterans. He faithfully attended Seabee reunions around the country, remained in contact with fellow Seabees, and held his love for our country deep in his heart, proudly flying our nation’s flag and POW flag in his yard.

A student of Christian Science from childhood, Malcolm served the church weekly and faithfully as an usher, quietly passing the velvet pouch to receive the weekly contributions at the church located in Elyria.

Affectionately known as ‘Mal,’ to his wife, Jean, of 40 years; he is also survived by his son, Chandler (Dana); granddaughter, Luna; as well as his sister, Delight Greenberg of Okemos, Michigan. His nieces, who lovingly knew him as ‘Uncle Mucca,’ and his close cousins, who also called him ‘Mucca,’ already miss this quiet, loving, and faithful man, who enjoyed the simple pleasure of an Adirondack chair in which he could sit and look out upon the waters of Lake Erie, with Jean and their dogs, Rocky and Astro at their side.

Malcolm was preceded in death by his parents, Chan and Margaret (Bemis) Thompson; and his older brother, Everett.

Calling hours will be Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 12 Noon in Hempel Funeral Home in Amherst. Following interment with Military Honors in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, family and guests will be received at a private reception.

Donations can be made in Malcolm’s memory to The 103rd. OVI Memorial Foundation, 5501 E. Lake Rd., Sheffield Lake, OH 44054.

For those unable to attend, please visit the funeral home’s website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com