John C. Thompson

John was born on April 24, 1944 in Abilene, Texas to the late Robert William Thompson and Johnnie (Arendall) Thompson. He was very active in sports and was quite the athlete growing up. His sophomore year his family was relocated to Abilene and he attended Abilene High School and Hardin-Simmons University. John had joined the Naval Reserves while in high school and after attending Hardin-Simmons University, he served his active duty in the Navy. He went to engineman school and served on the USS Orion from 1964-1966. A month after he had served his active duty, John and Toni (wife of 57 years) were married. They were engaged until he got out of the Navy. They were high school sweethearts. They lived in Abilene before being transferred to Ft. Worth, Texas in 1974. John drove a transport truck for many years, managed Texaco Stations, and later worked for a distributor where he delivered Aviation Fuel to private airports.

He was a great dad and the boys were his life. He never missed a game or event of theirs, usually coaching or encouraging them. Of course he spent many hours playing ball with them in the backyard. He loved to fish and hunt and the boys were taught to do both at a very early age. He loved trout fishing in Colorado and also deep sea fishing at the coast. We have farm land and every dove season and deer hunting season is where we could be found! In his younger days he raced go-carts, then stock cars. Then Shannon and Clay both raced both go-carts and race cars with their dads help and encouragement. They pretty much thought there was nothing their Dad could not do. Of course I was always on the bleachers!

John was always active. He also built and flew Remote Control Airplanes. He had a fascination with old WWII airplanes and could identify them all. He and Toni loved camping and after retirement went on a trip with their 5th wheel and their dog Mustang for 6 weeks, traveling from Niagara Falls to Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert and sister, Paula.

He is survived by his wife Toni and children Shannon Mitchell and Clayton Matthew (Brandi) and grandchildren, Shea Thompson, Gatlyn Tidrow, Hailey Jasso, Makayla Markum, Zoe Markum, great grandchildren, Landon Thompson, Sawyer Thompson, Grayson Markum, Karter Markum and Jasmine Markum and his beloved fur baby Tiger who never left his side.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to Freedom Hospice or the Kidney Foundation. Special thanks to the staff at Frontier Hospice and to Davita Labs for their care,help, understanding and kindness during this difficult time.

Viewing will be Monday, February 26th at Shannon’s Funeral Chapel, 6001 Rufe Snow Dr. in N. Richland Hills from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, February 27th at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway at 10:00AM.