Robert "Bob" Thompson, Sr

Robert "Bob" Thompson, Sr., was born in Bristow, Oklahoma on August 17, 1923. With the onset of the Great Depression, Bob's father lost his trucking business and in 1930, at seven years old, Bob was moved to Craig, Colorado, where his father found work. After a short stay in Craig, the family settled in Borger, Texas where Bob would graduate high school and meet the love of his life. In February of 1943, at the young age of 19, Bob wedded Mary Pauline Lawrence and they remained together for 62 years until her passing in February of 2005. During this time period the world was in a state of chaos with World War II in full motion, so just two weeks after his matrimony, Robert left to join the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California and was soon deployed to the Pacific. Bob was assigned to the 4th Marine Division and took part in the invasion of Saipan in June of 1944 and the subsequent invasion of Tinian in July. Bob was wounded during the campaigns and later received the Purple Heart. Upon his discharge, in 1945, Bob returned to Borger, Texas to build and raise a budding family consisting of two boys and two girls. The Thompson family later moved to Amarillo where Bob went to work for Panhandle Steel erectors making blueprints, all the company bidding and served as a foreman until his retirement in the 1980's. Bob was known for being a staunch Christian, a bowler, a beloved family man (his grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately call him "Papa"), a fisherman, and a person that friends and strangers alike could call on when in need. His time here on earth had brought an abundance of wisdom about almost anything one could discuss and Bob's total example in life undoubtedly contributed to all those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by many and was truly a significant member in what is sometimes called the "Greatest Generation". Robert "Bob" Thompson, Sr., is survived by two daughters; Mary Ellen Gilchrest & Linda Squires of Amarillo, Texas, one son; Lawrence E. Thompson of Amarillo, five Grandsons, one Granddaughter, six great grandchildren and three great-great Grandchildren along with numerous extended family members and friends. He is preceeded in death by his wife Mary Pauline Thompson, one son Allen Thompson and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Visitation Schedule

Cox Funeral Home 4180 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79109 Monday, January 02, 2017 6 - 8 pm

Service Schedule

Funeral Service Washington Avenue Christian Church 3800 S. Washington Ave. Amarillo, TX 79109 Tuesday, January 03, 2017 10:00 a.m.

Burial Schedule

Llano Cemetery Amarillo , TX