Paul Edward Thomson

Paul Edward Thomson was born January 31, 1925 in Lead, South Dakota. He started grade school in Spearfish, SD in about 1932 then moved back to Lead, SD in about 1936. Paul attended St. Patrick’s Catholic grade school a couple of years before moving to Trojan, a small mining town seven miles outside of Lead, SD. It was in Trojan that he finished grade school. Paul took the bus from Trojan to Lead for his first two years of high school. He and his family moved back to Lead and Paul graduated high school in May of 1943.

He enlisted into the U.S. Navy in July 1943 during WWII. Paul served 34 months – 30 months aboard the U.S.S. West Point, the largest troop transport ship during WWII. He spent 10 months all over the Pacific Theater and 20 months all over the Atlantic Theater. Paul was honorable discharged from the Navy in Minneapolis, MN in May of 1946.

Paul met Helen A. Schultz while home on leave in early 1946 and decided he she was going to be his, if he could catch her…and luckily he did. They tied the knot on June 9, 1946 at St. Patrick Church in Lead, SD.

Paul and Helen were blessed with three children: Michael Joseph, born in 1947, Paula Marie, born in 1952 and David Neil, born in 1955.

He drove the water wagon and a 4 horse team at the Trojan, SD mine for a short time. Paul also worked as an auto mechanic under the G.I. Bill. He worked a few years for B.H. Radio dealers as a traveling home appliance salesman for Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Then Paul worked for Lead Electric Appliance, a Black Hills Power and Light Company subsidiary, for a while before becoming a Sales Manager for the towns of Lead, Deadwood and Spearfish, SD.

Paul and Helen moved to Deadwood, SD around 1954 where they purchased their first home and opened the Thomson Appliance Company Store. Paul became salesman, serviceman and bookkeeper for about six years before deciding that he couldn’t keep up with Montgomery Ward and Sears. He sold out and he and Helen moved to Rapid City, SD in 1960 where he went back to work for B.H. Power and Light Co. as Sales Manager. In 1962 a new position at B.H. Power was developed – a Rapid City Credit Manager and 7 district offices Credit Advisor. Paul asked for the job and was given the position which he held for 30 years until his retirement.

Paul was active in community affairs during his working life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Lead, SD., a member of the Elks Lodge in Deadwood, SD., President of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce in Deadwood, SD., Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce in Deadwood, S.D., Volunteer with the Deadwood Fire Department, Special Sheriff Deputy in Deadwood, SD, member in the Rapid City, SD Kiwanis Club and President of the Rapid City Credit Bureau. Paul also was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD.

Paul loved to roam the Black Hills of South Dakota, fishing and hunting. He loved his family in a special sort of way.

After retiring, Paul and Helen moved to Sun City in 1990 to be close to their children and grandchildren already living in the Phoenix area. They purchased a home at 10737 W. Brookside Dr., where they have lived ever since. Paul is a member of the St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Sun City.

Paul is survived by his son Mike (Peg), daughter Paula (Ward) and son David (Brande), all residing in the Phoenix area. He is also survived by grandchildren: Scott Dierks, Derrick Dierks, Melanie LeGendre, Melissa Green, Dan Thomson, Dustin Thomson, Paul Thomson and many great grandchildren.