Merle Stanley Thompson

Despite his stubbornness, sarcasm and funny remarks there is an abundance of evidence that he was a very loving and caring person; as anyone who knew him could tell you. His laugh was contagious and he enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, golf, tennis and was an avid Coors Light drinker!

Merle graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1953 and worked at the Park Board of Fargo at the tennis courts and married Dixie Stauffacher on August 20th, 1955 in Fargo, North Dakota. They moved to Southern California shortly afterwards and were married for 55 years. Merle spent a year in night school at San Bernardino Valley College taking bookkeeping classes and worked the next 35 years as an accountant for Reliable Bearing & Supply Company in San Bernardino, California earning Reliable of the Year Honors.

Merle spent the twilight years of his life with his long time neighbor and friend Diane Grindberg.

Merle was an avid girls softball coach in the 70's and received Coach of the Year Honors in 1975 with the 19-0 Night Stalkers!

Merle is preceded in death by his parents Ida & Helmer Thompson his brother Harlyn, his nephew Phillip along with his wife Dixie.

Merle is survived by his two children Vikki & Scott (Juanita) Thompson along with three grandchildren Paige, Gavin and Savannah (Christopher) Casas, sister in law Audrey, niece Leslie along with his brother in law Lee (Glenna) Stauffacher.

Services will be held on April 25th, 2022 at Montecito (Cypress Chapel) Mortuary, 24145 Barton Rd. Loma Linda, California 92354 at 1:00 pm with graveside services starting at 2:30 pm

Donations in his name can be made to Family Hospice of Palm Springs, 255 El Cielo Road C-300 Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Thompson family.