Tom - Your life's journey has taken you many places and allowed you to touch many lives, mine included.  You were the best grandfather my son, Stephen, could have.  I believe that one day we shall all meet again, under better circumstances.  You still have stories I want to hear.

Thank you for your service to our Nation.  May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

I send my love to my nieces, Marcia, Melinda and Gwen.  So sorry about your Dad's passing.  Be happy you had him with you for so long and remember the good times.  I'm sending my love to Stephen and Olivia on the loss of their grandfather.  I know he loved you both very much.  I'm so happy I got to visit Tom with my kids in July 2006.  We did a lot of reminiscing that day, some pretty funny stuff.  Love, Aunt Marlene
To Bobbie and the rest of the family, my condolences.  Bobbie, Melinda told me you were presented with an American flag at the memorial service.  On Thurs. June 17th an article appeared in my local paper explaining what each fold of the flag represents.  So I'm sending this to you to share with all the family.
The 1st fold is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is in honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace.
The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be  right: but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie.  It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute for the Armed Forces that protect the country and flag against all enemies, whether within or outside the boundaries of the republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers.  
The 10th fold is a tribute to fathers.
The 11th fold represents the lower part of the seal of King David and King Solomon.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, for Christians, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars and uppermost remind us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust".

My Dear Family,

 For as long as I can remember my Grandpa has been telling me jokes and stories. The jokes were always my favorite! I only wish they were kosher enough to say right now. They are not, and I am sure you would still hear my Grandma squeeze two extra syllables into the name Tom! (That was  always my second favorite part of the joke.) My very favorite thing about the jokes (besides the crudeness of course) was the seemingly endless joy it brought to my grandpa to share a bit of humor with his Grandson, especially when I had a joke to tell in return. I remember many times of telling my mom, "Quick call grandpa I have a joke I wanna tell him!" to which she gladly obliged, and we would laugh together, though mile apart. It is our shared sense of humor, I believe, that has made me feel a special connection to my grandfather even though I grew up three states away. I thought I could never repay him for the jokes and humor that he has shared with me over the years, whether it be a maxim here, a limerick there, or a humorous story about the Wee-uns and the You-uns! But repay him I did! I illustrated the story of the Wee-uns and the You-uns, a feat for which I was very proud of myself! I set out to entertain him to the utmost of my abilities. I would've done anything for him, and I did! I even went so far as to take a luggage cart up an escalator at the airport because he dared me to!! He was always so much fun in my eyes! From swimming in the pool at the Brushwood house to hearing jokes that my Grandma cringed at, he was hands down FUN! I will always remember him that way! No words will ever express how sad I am that HIS story has ended, but I find solace in knowing that i got to see the greatest story ever LIVED, my Grandpa!!

Thank You

     Tom was a free spirit.  He took offense only with those who wished to impose their views on him.  We took three 1,000 mile non-stop trips together.  He enjoyed driving non-stop better than I. It appeared to remind him of his depression era youth, when he operated harvesting equipment, sun up to sun down. This work ethic extended into adulthood.  Work was his pastime.  We frequently capped the J.W.Dant at 11:00 and he went back to work on the drawing board, with coffee. He proved, on two embarrassing occasions, that I couldn't tell the difference between his less expensive J.W.Dant and my Dickle.
      For six years,the four of us picked muscadine grapes and made wine.  Over my objections, he insisted we pick from the roof of his van.  Rain always ponded there, after that.  He could have cared less.  The last year's wine was the best vintage.
      In 1985, we four went to Europe for a two week drive through Germany, France,Switzerland and Austria.  Great memories.  Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, the Rubanerie, Konigsbourg, Riquewihr, Neusehwanstein, Vienna, Passau and Wurzburg.
      There were many laughs over the years.  We did that best.  Nothing was sacred.  
      He loved to take movies of the kids and neighbors; The Great Crutch Race,the tumbled garbage cans,hats.
      His memory was amazing, even on our May visit. We joked about him telling the same tales and jokes over.  He very seldom did that,however,and you know what, I enjoyed them so much, I really didn't care.

Uncle Tom,
Thank you for being part of my life, even though it was just the beginning. You taught me to water ski and you were the strongest slalom skier I ever saw. It was great to see you in 2006 when our family visited Galvaston/Houston, and I'll always have good memories of you.
Love, Tim

Dear Mr. Thompson,

"It's 'MISTER THOMPSON' to you, buddy.  And don't you forget it!"  For some reason I could never call you "Tom."  Thanks for all the wonderfully fun childhood memories and cherished stories.  I'll never forget the sound of your laugh!

Fondly,

OBITUARY

Thomas "Tom" Lauren Thompson

October 5, 1926 – June 14, 2010

Waltrip Funeral Directors

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