Charles E. Thompson

Charles E. Thompson, aged 91, of Iowa Park, Texas, passed away on November 21, 2024. Born on January 1, 1933, in Iowa Park at home, he lived a life marked by dedication to his community, family, and an array of personal passions.

Charles graduated from Wichita Falls High School after attending military school in Roswell from 1946 to 1947. Charles owned his own private plane by the age of 16 and by age 17 he was instrument rated. He then joined the Air Force, serving on the crew under General Edward H. White. His military tenure was a foundational period, setting the stage for his diverse career pursuits, including working as a commercial pilot, and later in the oil field industry owning CE Thompson Well Service, a family business, he later worked and retired from the civil service at Sheppard Air Force Base after 26 years of service.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Charles was deeply involved in civic duties. He served as a volunteer fireman in Iowa Park for 25 years, including eight years as fire chief, during which he received the Outstanding Fireman Award in both 1969 and 1978. He also contributed to his community through two terms on the city council.

A man of many hobbies, Charles enjoyed photography, leatherworking, woodworking, stained glass crafting, and cement work. His creative spirit was complemented by his active involvement in the Iowa Park Masonic Lodge and the Shriners, where he was honored twice as Worshipful Master of the Iowa Park Lodge and remained a member for over 60 years. He and his wife traveled all 50 U.S. states and Canada in their trailers for over 25 years.

Charles was a family man, cherishing holidays and making memories with his loved ones. He was married to Billie Margaret Ford on December 31, 1955, and was a loving father to their daughter Kathleen Janette Thompson Papp.

Survivors include his daughter Kathy Thompson Papp and husband Laszlo; grandson Ponch Garcia, his wife Kendra, and their son Hayden Garcia; and granddaughter Jessica Papp.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Ford Thompson, parents Fred Howard Thompson and Hattie Odessa Henry Thompson. sisters Imogene and Marjorie Thompson.

Dutton Funeral Home in Iowa Park, Texas, is assisting the family during this time. A memorial service for Charles will be held at 2 PM on November 30th, 2024 at The First United Methodist Church, 201 E Bank St, Iowa Park, TX 76367.