Dillon Thompson

July 5, 1952 - May 15, 2018

Dillon L. Thompson, 65, of Sistersville, WV, passed away May 15, 2018, at Ohio Valley Medical Center. Dillon was born on July 5, 1952, to the late William and Velma Thompson of Sardis, OH. Dillon was a retired riverboat pilot with more than 40 years of service within the Wheeling, WV, harbor and throughout the U.S. inland waterways. Throughout his years in the wheel house, he spoke proudly of the hard work and professionalism of his crews and the many friendships he held throughout his career. He is survived in life by his loving wife Nelly, his daughter Trisha, and sons Justin, Wesley, and Brian, and seven grandchildren, Skylar, Ashleigh, Corbin, Charlie, Aiden, Lucy, Ember, Liliana, his brother William, his great Aunt and Uncle Tom and Darlene Kirkhart, his niece Jessica, nephews Billy, Jimmy, Gary, Bobby, and several great nieces and nephews.    No public funeral services will be held for Dillon, however a private family gathering will be held later this summer to celebrate his life.   Lord, are there any riverboats in heaven, where this old river man could abide? Is there a long gleaming river for me to run, when my engines are silent and my trip is done? If so, may I come aboard for that eternal ride, and can I ride with you on that river in the sky? This old river man's heart needs to ride into the sun, cause Lord you know even better than me this is the last run. Lord, where will I find that glorious fleet so I can close my eyes where the old river men meet? Lord, only you can tell if I may come to stay, for sometimes I am lost and lose sight of the way. But if I steer clear a true course, may I please have a berth when my last river is run and I leave this old earth.