Bart Thompson III, son of Bill and Mary Etta (Lincoln) Dreiling, born on March 28 1945, in Long Beach, Calif.; he departed this life Feb. 18, 2021, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 20 days. In 1969, Bart married Nina K. Taylor and she preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Bill and Mary Etta Dreiling; a daughter, Desiree D. Cooley; two brothers, William and Stephen Thompson; and a grandson, Leander C. Payne. Survivors include his daughters, Shannon Moore and her husband, Shawn, of Hartville; Shawna Riggs and her husband, Andy, of North Carolina; Olivia Peck, of Bonne Terre; and Audra Payne and her husband, Chris, of Grovespring; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Jane Watson, of Yuba, Nev.; a sister-in-law, Patricia Thompson. of Buckner; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bart was born in California and his family moved to Kansas City when he was 4 years old. In the 1980s, he moved to Lamar, where he worked for O’Sullivan. He moved his family to Hartville in 1996 where he worked in the Human Resources Payroll Department before retiring. Bart was a very generous and giving person. He was a walking encyclopedia, always reading and gaining knowledge, he never quit learning. Bart enjoyed NASCAR, photography, music and CB radios. He loved and cherished everything he had in life, including his family; which were the most important to him. Bart especially loved his great-grandchildren, they really kept him going and gave him a reason to live. Bart was a dedicated father, loving grandfather, great-grandfather brother, uncle, loyal friend and neighbor. He will be fondly remembered. We will cherish the memories he created for us and treasure the moments spent with him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services honoring and celebrating Bart’s life will be held at a later date.
