John Tompkins, 57 of Solon, died of cancer Thursday, November 29, 2007, in his home.  Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 3 at the Solon United Methodist Church.  Private family inurnment will take place at Oakland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 2 and the Solon United Methodist Church, and one hour prior to services Monday at the Church.  Brosh Chapel in Solon is in charge of arrangements.

John was born May 24, 1950 in Iowa City, the son of Richard and Gertrude Kost Tompkins.  He married Penny Wears on August 2, 1969 in Solon.  John was a member of the Solon Community School Board from 1993 – 1999, also serving as President.  He was an Iowa High School Athletic Association Official from 1972 – 1989, working many football playoff games, including a State Championship.  He was a member of the Solon Dollars for Scholars Founding Board of Directors, the Community Emergency Response Team, a mentor in Johnson County Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and a member of the Solon United Methodist Church.  John was involved in the Solon Community School Comprehensive School Improvement Advisory Group, and was on the building committee for the Solon United Methodist Church.  John worked at Ertl Toy Manufacturing from 1968 – 1987, and at Pearson from 1987 – 2007.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved the outdoors.  He took pride in his acreage.

John is survived by his wife Penny; daughter Tracy Tompkins; sons Brian (Sharon) Tompkins all of Solon, and Chad (Melissa) Tompkins of Marion; five grandchildren: Madison, Zoe, Daylan, Olivia, and Austin; sister Jeanne Hamilton of West Branch; and brothers Ted (Rosie) Tompkins, Richard Jr. (Connie) Tompkins both of Solon, Roy Tompkins of Marion, Ed (Laurie) Bowers of West Branch, and Ron (Mary) Johnson of Durango; and stepmother Helen Tompkins of Iowa City.   He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the Solon Dollars for Scholars, where a scholarship will be established in his name.