Kevin Alvin Thompson

Kevin was born on August 22, 1961 to Bernadine Estalyn and Winston Estel Thompson in San Diego, California where he lived with his mom, dad, sister Cheryl and his twin brother Kenny. He went to Freese Elementary school, Bell Jr. High and Morse High school. Kevin also went to Southwestern and City College where he majored in African/American History. He married the love of his life Rosalie on October 30, 1982. They got married in Rose’s parent’s living room. It was a simple but beautiful ceremony that was perfect for the young couple. After they got married their family started to grow. Their daughter Venessa was born first. Followed by their three sons Kevin II, Brandon and Alex. He welcomed Rose’s daughter Qiana with open arms when they were reunited.

Besides Kevin’s family, he was very passionate about African/American history (he earned his Bachelor’s degree), politics (he was a democrat), fishing (his biggest catfish was about 40 lbs.), the Lakers & the Dallas Cowboys (HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS?), dominoes & boardgames (he always found a way to cheat, especially in Monopoly). As a child he was in Boy Scouts and Sea Cadets. He also wrote for his high school paper called the Morse Code. He was also an avid reader. As soon as he was done with one book, he would start another one right away. He didn’t just read the books. He would highlight key points, put tabs on certain pages and would put notes on the side or the bottom of the page. He had a thirst for knowledge that went beyond the classroom.

Kevin was a dedicated military man. He served for about 22 years in the navy, both active duty and reserves. Constantly studying his correspondence courses and using 3x5 cards as a vital study tool. All of it must have worked because he made first increment, (except for once when he made 2nd increment), every time he went up for advancement. However, he got out of the active-duty navy after about 10 years because, quote, “I’m tired of missing out on my family growing up.” He then went reserves and he continued to advance, eventually making Chief Warrant Officer 2, which is very difficult to do while in the reserves. After he made CWO2 the navy reactivated him for another 2 years. He was stationed on the USS Eisenhower as the ship’s fire marshal in Virginia. He knew that his military career was over while he was on his flight back home and that he would never have to leave his family again. After he got back home, he went back to work at the post office. He then got a job at CCA detention center, then he got with Fed Fire, eventually getting what he called his dream job as an explosive safety specialist.

Kevin Alvin Thompson passed away at home on May 1, 2021 with his loving wife Rosalie by his side. Kevin was first and foremost a family man. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren. As well as his sister Cheryl Thompson, his twin brother Kenny Thompson and his extended family. He was at his happiest when he could spend time with his grandchildren and he would spoil them every chance he got. He was affectionately known to them as “Tata”. His face would literally light up whenever he saw them, either in person or on facetime. Kevin had an amazing sense of humor. His laugh was infectious and would fill the whole house. He was also known to everyone as a very kind and caring man who would drop everything to help anyone out. The perfect example of that is how he helped to take care of his mother-in-law Rosenda Ranches. He would sleep downstairs in her room taking care of her throughout the night, even though he had to go to work early the next morning. When he was asked why he didn’t mind taking care of our mom, his response was, “I don’t mind because I didn’t get a chance to take care of my mom.” He was truly a selfless man. His last act of kindness was to be an organ donor.

Kevin is preceded in death by his mother Bernadine Estalyn Thompson and his father Winston Estel Thompson. He is survived by his wife Rosalie Ranches Thompson, daughter Venessa (Kevin Walker Jr.), Kevin II (Jessica), Brandon (Gigi), Alex (Eliza), Qiana Jackson as well as nine grandchildren. His sister Cheryl Thompson and twin brother Kenny Thompson.