Dexter MacArthur Thompson, Jr., age 80, of Port Deposit, MD passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024. He was born on August 20, 1944, in Morgantown, WV. Dexter was the son of the late Dexter MacArthur Thompson, Sr., and Ethel (Strickland) Thompson.

Dexter was a proud United States Army combat veteran, serving in the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1966 as a paratrooper and military policeman. Upon returning from his military service, Dexter pursued his educational path. Graduating in 1975 from Penn State with a degree in Foreign Service & International Politics, he furthered his education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law, where he earned his J.D., cum laude, in 1980. He went on to study international management at Thunderbird in 1981. Dexter began his career as an assistant public defender in Cecil County from 1986 to 1995. He held the position of Town Attorney for Chesapeake City from 1990 to 1992. His exemplary career attained him the role of a Circuit Court Judge from 1995 to 2009, where his fair and balanced rulings earned him great respect and admiration.

Beyond his educational and professional achievements, Dexter was very involved in his community. He was an active member of Rotary Club of Elkton, Elkton Lions Club, Cecil Post 15, American Legion, Elkton Post 8175, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cecil County Men’s Shelter Inc., and Cecil County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In his spare time Dexter enjoyed sky diving with the Cecil County Fall Guys, flying his plane, and most importantly being a father, husband, brother, and grandfather.

Dexter is survived by his daughter, Taylor N. Thompson (fiancé, James Evan Roache); grandchildren: Gauge Roache, Melody Roache, Grayson Roache, and Alexis Roache; sisters: Patricia Jean Clark (husband, Larry), and Kristen Gawronski (husband, K. Joseph); nephews: Michael Clark, and Patrick Clark.

In addition to his parents, Dexter is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret Thompson.

A viewing in honor of Dexter’s life will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 259 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921, followed by a celebration of his life on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, also at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. Family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dexter’s memory to “Alzheimer’s Association” or “Elkton VFW Post 8175”, sent in care of the funeral home.