Hazel D Thompson, 93 , of Columbia City, passed away at 3:13 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at The Waters of Columbia City.

She was born October 28, 1932 in Hazard, Kentucky. Hazel was the youngest child of the late Buddy Isom and Mary Elizabeth (Debord) Daniels. She grew up in Defiance, KY where she attended elementary school and Vicco High School. She always looked for adventures with her friends, Reva and Analea, making sure to attend all sports events and dances. Being the youngest of the family, others made sure she was the center of all events.

In 1947 she met the man of her dreams, James O. Thompson, a young slender soldier in uniform that stole her heart. Through many letters and weekend leaves, love made a life for them. On June 20, 1948 they were united in marriage and lived in Happy, KY until 1960 when the family moved to Columbia City, Indiana. Family and friends were always welcome with many school friends for dinner every night. Hazel loved to cook and made sure there was always enough for everyone.

Hazel worked at Blue Bell in Columbia City and Magnavox in Fort Wayne where she received many awards and recognitions for product manufacturing. She received letters from Indiana for her aggressiveness in product design.

She was a member of Happy Free Will Baptist Church and Columbia City Free Will Baptist Church. Sunday meant everyone would be welcome to dinner. Hazel was a devoted wife and mother. Family was always first to her.

Surviving relatives include Mary (Steve) Parrett of Gallatin, TN, Lester (Marsha) Thompson, Gayle (Dave) Parker and Edward (Barb) Thompson, all of Columbia City; 14 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and 23 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to loving husband, James, she was preceded in death by two sons, Earl A. Thompson and James Thompson Jr.; brothers, Nathan, George, Kenneth, Vernon, Mitchell, James and Elmer; sisters, Faye, Pearl, Edna and Wila; and a grandson, James Michael Parrett.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 26 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at the funeral home with burial in the South Park Cemetery.