Coach Bill Thompson

Coach Bill Thompson went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 13, 2013. He was a beloved and devoted husband, dad, and ""Deda"" (as he was called by his grandchildren). He was born November 26, 1930 in Wilson, Kansas to Melvin Lane Thompson and Katherine Evelyn Winfield Thompson.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years and best friend, Billie Lancon Thompson; children, Terrie and husband Mike Stephens, Vickie Hanson, and Micky and wife Kim Thompson; grandchildren, Kyle Stephens, Geoff Stephens, Grant Hanson, GraceAnne Hanson, Crockett and wife Becca Thompson, Morgan and husband Kevin Christiansen, and Kristy Thompson; and great-grandchildren, Evie Lastovica, Kyle Michael Stephens, and Isis Stephens. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin Thompson and sister, Ethel Mendel, along with many nieces and nephews.

Coach Thompson had a love - a passion- for football and was blessed to have played as a quarterback at, what was then known as, Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, Texas from 1949-51. In 1950, he helped his team finish with a 7-3 season. After leaving Schreiner, Bill transferred, with a scholarship, to Sam Houston State University, met his future bride and graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

After graduation, he coached in Hallettsville, Livingston, and Vidor, Texas. In 1962, he and his family moved to Baytown where he started coaching and teaching at Horace Mann Jr. High, then went on to R. E. Lee High School. In 1968 he became defensive coordinator. In 1969, he helped lead the R. E. Lee Ganders to their first district title in a decade. Then, in 1970 the Ganders went to the regional finals, were district co-champs in 1973, district champs in 1976, and regional champs in 1979. Sports reporters have named the 1979 game against La Porte as one of the ""Ten Biggest Games of the Decade""- with the Ganders winning 30-28! In 1981, he coached the defensive unit of the North/South All-Star Game in Dallas. In 1981, Bill was inducted into Schreiner's athletic Hall of Honor. He retired from coaching in 1985 but never left the game.

When the family moved to Baytown, they became members of Memorial Baptist Church, where he and Billie have been faithful and active members for almost 50 years.

He was an influence in so many lives on and off the field - be it as a coach to so many athletes, a teacher in the classroom, a vital part of Memorial Baptist - perhaps most importantly -to his family.

His family will receive friends at the Memorial Baptist Church Chapel, 600 W. Sterling St., Baytown, Texas 77520 on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Memorial Baptist Church Sanctuary on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Randy Piatt officiating.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the Memorial Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Sound System Fund.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.