Mr. Melvin Mel Oliver Thompson

Melvin Oliver Thompson passed away at home on Tuesday November 20th, 2012 at the age of 86 years 10 months and 3 days. Melvin was born in Dawson, MN January 17th 1926, the son of Carl and Marie (Sjolie) Thompson. Mel was confirmed on October 29th, 1939 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lac qui Parle County, MN.

Mel honorably served in the United States military for over 20 years. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific Theatre through 1946 as a yeoman/stenographer.

After three years of civilian life working as a truck driver and mechanic back in Minnesota, Mel joined the Army National Guard from 1949 to 1950. He re-enlisted in the Army in 1950 as a Master Sergeant and served the next 18 years finally retiring in July 1968 as a Major. While in the service he earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1st OLC), 2 O/S bars and the Army Commendation Medal.

While at home on leave Mel was united in marriage to Grace Arlene Tollakson on January 10th, 1953 at Providence Valley Lutheran Church, Dawson, MN. Together Mel and Grace shared over 55 years of marriage. To this union 3 daughters and 1 son were born. Mel and Grace settled in El Paso, TX in 1966.

After retiring from the Army, Mel served the U.S. Postal service for 20 years as a window supervisor retiring in June, 1989.

In life Mel enjoyed spending his summers at Ten Mile Lake Resort in Dalton, MN. (His second home). This time was filled with visits from family and friends and FISHING. Piles of western paperback novels, all of them read, contributed to his rest and relaxation along with his dachshund “Butch”.

Mel is survived by his three daughters, Annette (Sott) Eudy, Cheryl Thompson, Barbara Thompson and son David Thompson. Seven grandchildren; James, Christopher, Corrie, Cody, Kimberly, Connor and Baylor.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Marie Thompson; his wife Grace; sisters, Mae Boe, Olive Larson, Grace Kvall, Pearl West, Alpha (Toots) Lovander, Rose Lindblad, Fern Nelson, Ruth Thompson and Shirley Thompson; and brothers Melvin Thompson in infancy, Glenn (Boomer) Thompson, Clarence (Kelly) Thompson.

The Thompson Family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, November 26, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Martin East. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:00 am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery where Mr. Thompson will be interred with Full Military Honors.

Blessed be his Memory

Services arrangements have been entrusted to the care of FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL MARTIN EAST 1460 George Dieter Drive El Paso, Texas 79936. 915-855-8881. www.martinfuneralhomeeast.com