Columbus, OH — Carl E. Thompson, 89, died June 19, 2019, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

Mr. Thompson lived his whole life on the farm where he was born and raised. His two passions were his family and his horses. He was known by family and friends as a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was one of those people that everyone loved and respected. His family and friends will always remember him as easy going, friendly, and that he truly cared about all around him.

His livelihood was racing horses, and until he could no longer physically participate, you could find him at the barn working. He owned, trained and/or drove horses from the early 1950s until his death. He also continued to shoe his own racehorses well into his 70s. He loved harness racing, and was considered a “trotting man” at the track.

It was through racing horses that he met and married Barbara Harter, and raised his family. Many of the tracks where he raced are no longer in existence, but he would recall and recite stories about the many friends and acquaintances he met along the way.

Brandywine Raceway, which was located north of Wilmington, was the track he called home. He raced at Brandywine every year from its first race meet to its last.

His favorite horses were pacers named Terry Flash and Adam Tide, and trotters named Calyjaba and Jimmy T., all long gone from the memories of today’s sport. His love of racing and family will be carried on by his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Thompson also co-owned and worked at T & T Small Engines with his son, Bill.

He served in the National Guard, was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, past director of the United States Trotting Association, a member of the Standardbred Owners Association, and was a member of Capital Grange #18.

Many of his dearest family and friends have preceded him in death, but those remaining will miss him so much. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Ralph and Catherine; brothers, Howard and Clifton; son, David Carl; and daughter-in-law, Ellen. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara; daughter, Lynn; sons, Bill (Terry) and Jim (Carol); grandchildren, David, Matthew, Carey, Josh, Rachel, Adam, Carl, Jason and Emily; 18 great-grandchildren; brothers, Melvin and Ray; sister-in-law, June; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was dearly loved by all his family and friends and will remain with them through the many memories they all share.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday (June 24) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 522 Main St., Marydel, MD. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening (June 23) at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10), Dover. Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.