Robert L. Thompson of Laurel passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. Bob was born on Jan. 12, 1930, in Lykens, Pennsylvania, to Mae Grimm Thompson and John M. Thompson. After high school in Lykens, Bob attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a degree in Political Science. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and received the Gate and Key Honorary Award.
Bob was a veteran of the United States Army. Bob began his banking career at American Security and Trust Company in Washington, D.C., in 1952, as a teller. He then went to Belair National Bank in Bowie, Md., in 1961. Rockville University National Bank in Rockville, Md., was his next career stop until his final position at Sussex Trust Company (Wilmington Trust Company) in Laurel in 1972. He retired as CEO on Dec. 31, 1992, after 40 years in banking.
Bob was a member of many organizations in his lifetime including Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Clubs, Delaware Bankers Association, Laurel Civic Club, and Laurel Redevelopment Association. Since being in Laurel, he was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and served on the Finance Committee.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Lauretta Williams Thompson. He is also survived by his three daughters: Cynthia Spicer of Cornville, AZ; Karen Woodland (Ritchie) of Seaford; and Sherry Shockley (Jeff) of Laurel. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kristian Ruark (Trent), Kyler Woodland (Audrey), Justin Woodland (Amber), Blair Shockley (Julie), and Brett Shockley (Cortney). He had 12 great-grandchildren: Grace, Tripp and Elsie Ruark, Layla Woodland, Harper, Asher, and Rhett Shockley, Mason and Piper Shockley, Levi and Owen Morris, and Evan Woodland. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings Jack (Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient), Dorothy Grubb (Ceylon), Betty Thompson, Shirley Harker (Harry), and Jean Zerby (Kenneth).
Memorial services will be private at a later date. The family would prefer any donations be made to Vitas Healthcare, 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 202; Millsboro, Delaware 19966.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hannigan, Short, and Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com.