Richard James Thompson

Richard was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on November 12, 1942, to James and Edith Thompson. He grew up in Ada and attended Ada High School. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ada. He attended East Central College for 2 years before transferring to the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1965. He graduated with special distinction. While at OU, Richard was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Between 1965 and 2005, Richard was president of Thompson School Book Depository. Richard served in the Oklahoma National Guard for 12 years, led by Brigadier General Buster Smith and under the command of General Jerry Grizzle, H.H.C. of the 45th Infantry Brigade.

Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marion Thompson; two sons, Matt Thompson and Charles Thompson, both of Oklahoma City; 2 grandsons, Nick Thompson and Thayer Thompson, both of Oklahoma City; sister, Betty Gilliam of Ardmore; nephews, Chris Gilliam of Oklahoma City, and John Thompson, Jr. and his wife, Tsinena Bruno Thompson, both of Oklahoma City; and niece Lynn Ann Hines and her husband, Ron Hines, both of Maryville, Tennessee. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John R. Thompson.

The family wishes to thank with deep appreciation all of the nurses on the 9th floor at St. Anthony Hospital who provided exceptional nursing with care and compassion. Thanks also to all of the nurses, staff, and techs associated with them. To all those who assisted Richard in I.U. therapy, thank you. While professional in their work, they did so with friendliness, humor and sincere commitment. Finally, special thanks to Dr. Gary Rahe, who for 25 years fought with and for Richard, giving the best a doctor and the medical profession could provide.

Come and go visitation will be Friday, July 27, 2012, at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Westminster Presbyterian Church.