SALEM – Mr. Wayne L. Thompson, 75 of Salem, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 8th, 2023 in Seabrook, New Hampshire.

Born in Lewiston, Maine, Wayne was the son of the late Jack, Sr. and Virginia L. (Dearborn) Thompson. Growing up with fifteen brothers and sisters, Wayne was rich with love and support from his family, always cheering each other on in their many accomplishments.

Wayne was raised and educated in Salem, and was a 1967 graduate of Salem High School. Throughout his high school career, Wayne excelled at Track and Field / Cross Country and was a true high school star. He was a member of Salem High's 1965 Cross Country Team Class B State Championship, held the title for 3 State Individual Class B 2 Mile Run and for many years, held the record for the 2-mile run at Salem High. With his many accomplishments and record setting, Wayne was a proud member of Salem High School's Hall of Fame.

An honorably discharged veteran, Wayne was drafted in 1969 and served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force.

With a true passion for sports, Wayne religiously kept up on the local sport teams, statistics and records. He was a faithful and proud Salem High alumnus and could always be found cheering on his hometown team. He enjoyed games of chance, visiting the casino and track, often lucky but always enjoying the comradery of his friends. Above all else, Wayne loved his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Wayne is survived by his sisters; Patricia "Pat" Ayers of Salem, Cynthia Calabro of Lebanon, NH, Joyce Thompson of Auburn, ME, Marion Blanchette of Beverly and Loraine Roussin of Salem; his brothers, Kenneth Thompson of Hamilton, James Thompson of Auburn, ME, Matthew Thompson of Salem and William Thompson of OR and many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends, including Steve Luca of Salem. Wayne was the brother of the late Jack, Jr., Robert, Arthur, Dean, Brian and Joel Thompson.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Wayne's funeral service which will be held graveside at Greenlawn Cemetery in the Chapel Hill Veterans Lot, 57 Orne St., Salem on Thursday, December 21st, 2023 at 12:30 P.M. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the Salem Veterans Services, 401 Bridge Street, Salem, MA 01970 to continue helping local veterans. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.