Don Thompson was born October 21, 1931, in Montgomery County, Iowa, to Ted and Arvella Thompson and grew up on the family farm near Elliott, Iowa. He attended school his first few years in country school, and completed elementary and high school in Elliott.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Lorraine, who died at the age of three (1928), his parents Ted (1966) and Arvella (1987), and his daughter Shirley Lorraine (2012). He is survived by his wife Janet, sons Dean, Brian, Stuart, and Glendon, and 15 grandchildren and their families.
He entered the U.S. Navy in 1950 and served aboard the USS Latimer, APA-152, which was deployed to numerous locations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He was honorably discharged in 1954, then purchased a farm near that of his parents. In 1955, he was introduced to Janet Sothman of Lyman, Iowa, and after a short courtship they were married.
In 1969, he and Janet moved their family to Douglas County, Missouri, where he farmed and was employed by Kraft Foods in Springfield. In 1975, they moved to a smaller farm near Elkland, Missouri. After he retired from Kraft, they moved to Marshfield, Missouri, in 1993. In 2007, they moved to Wichita, where they remain today.
Over the years, he and the family attended Lyman Gospel Hall in Iowa, Southeast Gospel Chapel in Springfield, and Northside Bible Chapel in Kechi. During all this time, he enjoyed physically helping in all aspects of the assemblies and affiliated bible camps. Studying God’s word was a favorite pastime.
During his lifetime he enjoyed shooting sports, playing the piano, studying World War II history, and playing with his grandchildren. He had a special interest and skill in fabricating tools, equipment, and implements, especially those that involved welding. He used those skills when he started a dirt working business and manufactured attachments for his skid loader.
He is and will be sorely missed by all his family, who take great comfort in the certainty of spending eternity with him in heaven.
Visitation Wednesday, March 16, 5:00-6:00 pm and Service Thursday, March 17, 10:00 am, both held at Northside Bible Chapel, 4510 E. 61st St. N., Kechi. Graveside following the service at Kechi Township Cemetery, 6523 N. Hillside, Wichita.