Duane Allen Thompson

Duane Allen Thompson – age 79 and known to many as “Doc” – passed away on December 18, 2018, at Southview Hospital with his sons by his side. Doc was born on April 12, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Harold Emery and Marie (Allen) Thompson. He attended South Side High School in Fort Wayne, then went to Purdue University where he studied Physics and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In 1965 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Indiana Institute of Technology. Doc married his hometown sweetheart, Margaret Jane (Rogers), and they had two sons together. He enjoyed a lifelong career in electronic sales, which took Doc and Margaret from Indiana to Ohio, Texas, Minnesota and ultimately back to Ohio, where they settled as a family in Centerville for the remainder of their life together. Doc founded Thompson & Associates in 1982, a manufacturers rep firm specializing in electronic systems and parts. After about 15 years of successful operation, Doc retired to pursue his personal interests and become a full-time caregiver for Margaret. Anyone who knew Doc will remember him for his easy-going nature and his smile. He was knowledgeable about many topics including business, technology, American history and geography, and was always happy to engage in conversation and share what he had learned or experienced. He enjoyed playing golf with friends, classic sports cars, cigars and studying genealogy. Doc was an avid photographer. He especially enjoyed taking snapshots at family gatherings and over the years, he captured thousands of cherished memories of the grandchildren he was so proud of. A lifetime member of the NRA and OGCA, Doc was also very passionate about guns and firearms. In his later years, he frequently enjoyed outings to gun shows and shooting at Millers Farm with his sons and close friends. Doc is survived by his beloved wife Margaret, to whom he attended and cared for until passing away just one day before their 54th wedding anniversary. Also left to honor and remember Doc are his sons, David (Joanna) Thompson and Michael (Angela) Thompson; his four grandchildren, Delaney, Kendall, Lauren and Jacob; seven nieces and nephews; and faithful French Bulldog “Coco.” He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Thompson of Anderson, Indiana. A Memorial Service and celebration of life will be held for Doc on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 1 pm at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Avenue in Dayton. Burial will follow at David’s Cemetery in Kettering. The family will greet friends at Tobias Far Hills Chapel on Friday from 11 am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doc’s name to SICSA of Dayton or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.