Robert "Bobby" L. Thompson, Jr.

Robert “Bobby” L. Thompson Jr., age 58, of Grove City, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at The James Cancer Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 14, 1967, in Columbus, Ohio, to Robert Lee Thompson Sr. and Marlena Gay Boyles (Hallis), Bobby grew up in Columbus and graduated from Marion-Franklin High School. He dedicated 31 years of his life to public service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, beginning in October 1993 as a Police Officer 1 at the Alum Creek Facility. Over his distinguished career, he served at the Governor’s Residence Detail, the Ohio Statehouse, the Operations Hilltop Facility, the Alum Creek Facility, and Security Services. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and deep commitment to duty, Bobby earned widespread respect. At his retirement ceremony on December 16, 2024, he was recognized for having completed more overtime special-duty service than any officer in Patrol history. He particularly cherished his annual assignments working the Ohio State Fair.

After retiring, Bobby continued serving others through his work with the federal court system until his health no longer allowed. A devoted son, brother, father, and friend, he brought humor, strength, and warmth to those around him, always ready to share a laugh and create lasting memories. He earned a karate black belt as a youth and continued practicing martial arts throughout his life, including taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A licensed real estate agent and investor in Central Ohio since 2009, he was also a lifelong fitness enthusiast who loved strength training. Bobby embraced life with energy and enthusiasm, enjoying travel, skydiving, rock climbing, boating, motorcycling, hiking, and attending countless live music concerts.

He is survived by his daughter, Dani Anne Lambert; his mother, Marlena Gay Boyles; his sister, Theresa Renee (Douglas) Nicholson; his nephews, Chrystopher Charles (Kaley) Nicholson and Dusttin Stephen (Jennifer) Nicholson; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nephews, great-nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Thompson Sr., and his stepfather, Thomas Malcolm Boyles.

Bobby will be deeply missed and forever loved. His service, sacrifice, and devotion to both his family and his community will never be forgotten.