C. Ames Thompson

Carl “Ames” Thompson, 100, of Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, AZ on August 20, 1923, to John C. and Charlotte Mildred Thompson. Ames was predeceased by his parents and his son Richard Thompson (wife Kathy).

Ames is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Ann Keisler, grandchildren Michele Kowalski (husband Tom), Chad Thompson, Will Keisler, great-grandchildren Caden Thompson, Taylor Kowalski and Troy Kowalski.

His mother was a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital and his dad a patient in the very same hospital and that is how the two of them met and eventually married. Unfortunately, Ames lost both parents at a very young age, with no siblings and many relatives that lived in Canada, so he was on his own.

Ames’ life was one of profound service, both to his country and his community. As a proud member of the 152nd A/A 11th Airborne Division of the United States Army, his dedication to duty and country was unwavering. He was a proud member of the Lions Club for 71 years and still attended meetings. He was the President of the Melvin Jones Center for the Blind and Building chairman of Phoenix Center for the Blind.

Ames married Helen Blohm in 1947 and they were married for 38 years. They had two children, Richard and Ann, who filled their world with immense joy. He later married Evelyn Stack and they have been married for 35 wonderful years full of so many travels and adventures.

Ames was an entrepreneur at the core. In the 1950’s he started Ames Air Conditioning and had that business for 25 years. He eventually bought Specialty Sheet Metal in 1968 and later built Designer’s Choice Stainless (DCS) in 1970 to provide restaurant equipment to so many local favorite establishments such as Macayo’s Mexican Food. He owned and operated DCS for about 25 years.

He was a hard worker. Ames loved business and everything it was about. He also loved to have some fun. He was an avid tennis player, golfer, hunter and fisherman. At one time he held a State of Arizona record for an elk that he shot. He did an annual fishing trip with the guys to Alaska for two weeks of salmon fishing. Fun fact - he did not like to eat salmon. He loved his weekly poker games with the guys and most of all LOVED to fly his airplane for 53 years of his life. He received his pilot’s license initially and went on in later years to obtain his instrument rating, which was a huge achievement.

Ames and Evelyn loved to travel. They made countless trips over to California for stays at the beach. For many years they would drive their motorhome on trips all over the US and enjoyed their adventures. They also took their travels all around the world. They made memories that Ames cherished and Evelyn holds very close to her heart.

Ames loved sports and watching them on TV. Evelyn loved spending time with Ames so she would do hours of ironing while he watched his sports and they both enjoyed what they were doing.

Through it all, Ames remained grounded in his faith as a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church and later Ascension Lutheran Church, finding solace and strength in his spiritual community.

In the vast expanse of time, Ames Thompson's life was but a fleeting moment. Yet, in that moment, he lived with such depth, purpose, and passion that his memory will forever burn bright in our hearts.

As we bid farewell to Ames today, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. Rest in eternal peace, dear husband, father, grandfather and friend, knowing that your legacy of love, service, and adventure will endure for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following organizations in his name:

· North Phoenix Lions Club Foundation - 300 W Clarendon Ave, Suite 240, Phoenix, AZ 85013

· AZ Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (AVBVI.org) - 3100 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix AZ 85008

Funeral Service information as follows:

Date: Monday, May 13th, 2024

Location: Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery - 719 N 27th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85009

Order of Services: 10:00 am - 11:00 am - Viewing/Visitation

11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Funeral Services

12:15 pm - 12:45 pm - Internment

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Reception (onsite next to the chapel at entrance)