Born in Galesburg, Illinois, Thompson received his bachelor's degree from Knox College.
Thompson was the attorney for The Labor News and was a director of the Galesburg National Bank and Trust Company.
Thompson served in the Illinois State Senate from 1943 until his death and was a Republican.
He died of a heart attack in Chicago, Illinois after taking a steam bath at the Lincoln Hotel.
He was in Chicago to discuss his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the office of Illinois Lieutenant Governor.