Morris Thompson was born in San Antonio, Texas on October 23, 1942 to Mary Frances Castiglione and Morris Thompson, Sr. His parents divorced when Morris was at a young age and his mother later married Woodrow Smithhart. Woodrow was in the U.S. Air Force and they began their life as a military family. Morris’ sister, Cynthia (Cindy) Smithhart, was born a few years later. During his childhood, Morris and his family lived in many places, including: Savanna, Georgia; March AFB in Arlington, California; Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas; and Nouasseur AFB in Casablanca, Morocco, Africa. Woodrow would eventually retire from the Air Force at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas.
Morris graduated his final year of high school at Del Valle High School. It was at Del Valle that he met the Janning family. He, George and Barbara Janning, Donna Janning and Joe Keller, became great friends. Donna and Joe Keller arranged a blind date for Morris and Coleen McDonald.
In 1967, Morris and Coleen were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas and were happily married for 56 years. They have two children, Gina Suescun (husband Mauricio Suescun) and Michele Thompson (partner Chris Giguere). Morris and Coleen have two granddaughters, Ava and Sophia Suescun. Known as PaPaw, nothing gave him more joy than his grandchildren.
Morris worked for the Federal Government and retired from the Department of Veteran Affairs after 32 years.
Morris was a family man. As the family traveled, they always made their way back to the San Antonio area where Mary Frances’ and Woodrow’s families lived. Morris was close to his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Morris was especially close to two of his cousins, Paul and Steven Castiglione. They remained close through the years, sharing many holidays, camping trips, and adventures.
Having a knack for camaraderie and laughs, Morris made friends easily and kept many lifelong friends. He and Coleen shared great times with close friends Karen and Hal Ferguson. Over the years, they enjoyed camping trips, card nights, concerts, and arts and craft shows.
Adding to the fun were more camping trips, card nights, and cookouts spent with long-time friends Donna and Marvin Holcomb and their family, having known them for over 55 years.
Morris was a member of Abiding Love Lutheran Church for over 30 years. He was a talented wood worker and had a passion for creating things. He loved working with wood and could make almost anything. He gave of his time at the church and helped where he could. He served on boards, was a teller for many years, and assisted with the church food pantry.
As his children were growing up and in high school band, Morris served as President of the Band Boosters for years, enjoying many concerts, band contests, and trips with the band.
Morris, fondly known by some as Mo, lived a big life. He created an abundance of friends, hobbies, vacations, vocations, and family. He had a kind heart, a loud laugh, and was a great dancer. Morris spent his life surrounded by family and friends. He loved his wife, children, son-in-laws, and grandchildren. And they loved him. He was a great Papaw! He was a good friend, hard worker, and gave great hugs. He will be missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate Morris on August 3, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Road, Austin, TX 78749. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Abiding Love Lutheran Church or any other charity of your choice.
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