Ernest Jerome Thompson, 61, "Bonkey" or "ET" departed this life on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Hospice of Charles County from Lung Cancer. He was born in Bryantown, Maryland to the late John and Agnes Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, uncles; Russell, George and Louis Thompson, Sr., Guynel and Joseph Tolson, aunts; Louise Williams and Frances "Patty" Coates and father-in-law, Jeff Collins.

Ernest received his education in the Charles County public school system. After high school he served in the United States Marine Corps. He was employed by CoinMach as a Service Technician until his illness.

On June 27, 1981, Ernest married Cora Collins and from this union they were blessed with one daughter, Jennifer.

Ernest was an avid sports fan especially the Washington Redskins. He also loved playing the lottery.

Ernest can be remembered for being blunt, brutally honest, comical, dependable and willing to help, even though he fussed. He was most proud of the fact of being a great provider for his family, especially for his grandsons. Before his illness, Ernest took care of everything, such as yardwork, cars, the pool and the house. In his younger days he enjoyed cleaning his car and hanging out with his cousins, Larry and Jeffrey Tolson.

Ernest leaves to cherish precious memories, his wife Cora, daughter Jennifer, grandsons; Keishon Javontae and Keiston Jerome Thompson, sisters; Mary Jenkins, Martha Thompson (Paul Douglas), Florence Neale, Inez Early (Frank), and Geraldine Tolson, brothers; John (Helen) and George Thompson, brothers-in-law; Paul (Moon), Michael and John (Monique) Collins, Agnes (Curtis) Lightfoot, and Rose Carroll, uncles; John Henry Tolson, William Coates and James Thompson (Ella), aunts; Margaret Jackson, Mary "Sis" Robertson, Lucille Tolson, Irene and Edith Thompson and Mary Ellen Neale, his Godchildren; Christopher Jenkins, Gwendolynn Carroll, and Crystal Tolson and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

His viewing will be held from 6pm to 9pm, prayers at 7:30pm on Monday, September 21, 2015 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640 and again from 9:30am until Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, MD. Interment St. Catherine's Church Cemetery, McConchie, MD. Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.