David Overly Thompson

David Overly Thompson, 97, was welcomed into his eternal heavenly home on September 5, 2024. David was born, July 29th 1927 in Franklin County, Ohio to George Andrew and Florence Helen Thompson (Overly). David was a lifetime farmer, or as he would jokingly refer to himself as an “agricultural engineer” and /or a “dirt agitator”. He dutifully served his country in the U.S. ARMY as an international speed radio operator and light vehicle driver from April 20th, 1954 to February 11, 1956 at Fort Knox, KY and Henry Barracks in Puerto Rico. In 1955 he married whom he referred to as his “one and only love”, Etta Ruth Spence. To this union was born 5 children: Margery, Stephen, Garrick, John and Lori. David was actively involved in many Christian churches (Indianola, Beechwold, Martin Road & Worthington) surrounding Columbus, Ohio. He was a founding elder of Worthington Christian Church. After retiring in Tucson, AZ he remained the Lord’s faithful servant at Northside & Pusch Ridge Christian churches. He passionately supported Christian missions and missionaries in Ohio, Arizona and around the world. For many years he was a dedicated member and leader in the Delaware County Farm Bureau. He lived out his Faith; he honored God foremost and represented a Christ-like character. He was humble, loving, very generous & forgiving. David was selfless as he lovingly cared for his wife during their latter years. He was known for his courageous prayers for his family, friends and Nation. A memorable side of David, was that he loved to share his sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. As one friend said, “I can only imagine the joke’s he is telling Jesus!”. If you knew David, your were guaranteed a joke-telling. A comical phrase he liked to say was, “I’m happy as an opossum eating persimmons”. His hobbies included traveling, camping with his wife & 5 children; reading; history; firearms; hiking; rock/arrowhead collecting and bicycling. During his retirement years in Tucson, AZ he became an avid fan of the University of Arizona men's basketball. David exemplified a Life Well Lived. David was predeceased by his wife (Etta Ruth), brothers (Paul & Alan), nephew (Robert) and grandson (Philip Dollery). David was blessed with 5 children and 9 grand children and 10 great grandchildren. He is survived by his children: Margie (Joseph) Hoser, Steve (Becky) Thompson, Garrick (Molly) Thompson, John (Karen) Thompson, Lori (Daniel) Liberator; grandchildren: Meghan, Kerri, Kris, Ben, Hannah, Rachel, Anna, Bethany; great grandchildren: Juliana, Kailey, Kensington, Koraline, Kortney, Chloe, Karter, Carter, Silas & Amariah.

David will spend his eternal rest at Sunland Memorial Park Cemetery.