Mike J. Thompson Sr.

On August 19, 2022, Michael J. Thompson Sr., (Big Mo) a beloved son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather was unexpectedly called to heaven. All who knew him will miss his sense of humor. His was a life well lived. He was born to AJ Thompson Jr. and Kathleen Thompson January 21, 1937, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He grew up in the Rio Grande Valley with his parents and brothers who ultimately settled in El Paso. There he, his two brothers, mom and dad all attended Texas Western (now UTEP) at the same time. Shortly before a vaccine was discovered, he contracted polio but unlike many in that day survived. Fear of a return of polio followed him his entire life. While attending Texas Western, he met Gloria Wills. They married after his 2 nd year of law school at the University of Texas. After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, Mike and Gloria returned home to El Paso and had one child, Mike Jr. (Jr. proudly refers to himself as a chip off the old block) Mike Sr. practiced law in El Paso for many years, serving as a prosecutor, in private practice, as legal advisor to the El Paso Police Department and as a Family Law Judge. He served as President of the West Texas Trial Lawyers Association, was on the board of the YMCA, a singer with the El Paso Barbershoppers, Secretary of the Scotsdale PTA, precinct chairman for the democratic party, turtle rancher, a member the El Paso Horseless Carriage Club and the Cambria Apartments bowling team. He was an extraordinary husband—taking care of his wife of over 60 years through her recent medical trials, with never a complaint. He was also a devoted father who attended most, if not all his son’s sporting events, coached his son’s soccer team and in later years took a trip to Austin once a month to see his son and family. (Note bene Los Angeles is closer to El Paso than Austin is). He was also a great friend and mentor to many. He enjoyed writing after he retired from the bench and a few of his columns are embedded below. Mike is survived by his son Michael Jr. (Cindy), grandchildren Erin Shuley (Chris), Kara Hawkins (Brandon), Farren Markworth (Nate); great grandchildren Grace, Andrew and Luke Shuley, Finley, Sawyer and Owen Hawkins; Brother-in-Law Truman Wills (Zabora), sisters in law Shirley and Joy and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his two brothers (Jack, Larry) and his wife. Calling hours will be Friday August 26 th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Martin’s Funeral Home (East) 1460 George Dieter, El Paso Texas. A Rosary will begin at 5:00 and eulogies thereafter. Dinner will be provided after the service. Please note that there will be a drawing, so keep your tickets. You must be present to win. On Saturday August 27 th there will be a graveside internment service at 9:30 am in the Evergreen Cemetery, 12400 Montana Avenue. Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral Homes. For additional information and online condolences, please visit dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund. “Considering Legislation to reform law enforcement introduced in the TexasLegislature”https://setexasrecord.com/stories/587576080-considering-legislation-to-reform-law-enforcement-introduced-in-the-texas-legislature “The Freedom to Govern Ourselves: Secure and Free elections should be every American’s goal”https://setexasrecord.com/stories/566547303-the-freedom-to-govern-ourselves-secure-and-free- elections-should-be-every-american-s-goal “The Supreme Court, now”https://setexasrecord.com/stories/555710799-the-supreme-court-now