Roger "Duke" Allen Thompson M.D.

Roger Allen Thompson, M.D., born 2/19/30 to Howard and Ruth Thompson. Pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Jim Thompson, John Thompson, David Thompson Donald Thompson and sister Joan Alcock. He is survived by his wife Barbara R. Thompson, daughter Beverly Gail Thompson, and many nieces and nephews. Roger went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2015. Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 28, 2015 2:00 pm. at First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Az. 58012. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Serenity Hospice, 2999 N. 44th St., Ste 225, Phoenix, Az. 85018 or First United Methodist Church.

Roger had a distinguished career as a Flight Surgeon in the 39th Bombardment Wing the United States Air Force. He was also Chief of Aerospace Medicine Service at the USAF Hospital in Eglin, Fl. He was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal among many other awards.

One of the highlights of Roger’s career was putting headphones on president John F. Kennedy at an air show in Eglin Air Force Base. Also with president Kennedy was General Curtis LeMay who was hit with shrapnel during the same air show. Since the commanding officer and all other officers had left the area Roger was the only medical personnel available to treat the general. This almost cost him his career. But he was able to convince the commanding officer that he tried in every way possible to get a hold of him.

Roger also enjoyed a long career in Family Practice Medicine. He had a practice in Adams Center, New York where he was also the assistant medical examiner in his town, school physician and part-time physician at Standard Air Brakes.

He then moved to Phoenix and started a Family Practice until his retirement in 1999. He had a great love of medicine and many people received his compassionate care as a physician and friend.

Roger loved glue and glued everything. His wife came home one day around Christmas and found that he had glued a Christmas Angel to the wall. He had a rod put in his neck from a fracture which was “glued” in place. He couldn’t have been happier.

He loved to tell his stories to any willing audience. I am sure he is now telling these stories in heaven and now he has a whole new audience.

Roger enjoyed life and was devoted to his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him either as family, friend or patient. Rest in peace my love.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”.