William Tompkins

WWII vet was longtime Washington Steel millwright William Elijah Tompkins, 82, of Washington, died unexpectedly at 7:55 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2004, in UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born May 6, 1922, in Harrison, Ga., a son of James Asa and Minnie Lee Smith Tompkins. Mr. Tompkins was a member of Grace Bible Church, West Middletown. He was retired from Washington Steel Corp., where he had been employed for 29 years as a millwright. Mr. Tompkins enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. During World War II, he served with the military police as a corporal in Panama. He received the American Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon with one bronze star and the Good Conduct Medal. On January 22, 1945, he married Eleanor Margaret Rush, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Larry Tompkins of Monaca and Lynn Tompkins of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; a sister, Evelyn Hartley of Atlanta, Ga.; and five grandchildren, Elijah, Dallas, James, Robert and Chelsea Tompkins. Deceased are two brothers, Lavon and Lamar Tompkins. TOMPKINS - Friends of William Elijah Tompkins of Washington, who died unexpectedly Saturday, May 29, 2004, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, with Pastor Duane Rush officiating. Interment will be held in Independence Cemetery, Avella.