- My Lifestory
Smith Center - Edward LeRoy Thompson, 62, passed away Friday, August 7, 2020 at his home in Smith Center, KS.
He was born December 31, 1957 in Austin, TX, the son of Edward Ralph Sr. and Della May (Mullin) Thompson. He was a member of the Legion Riders, associate member of the Marine Corps League, Abate of Kansas, District 2, VFW Post #1141 of Smith Center and American Legion of Kensington.
Ed graduated from Smith Center High School, class of 1975. He later joined the National Guard in 1977, after several years in the Guard he joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged February 11, 1983. Ed was very proud to have served his country. After leaving the Army, Ed moved to Houston, TX to work in the communications field for MCI, he then moved to Atlanta, GA to do the same for Sprint. In 1991 Ed moved to Hays, KS to work for Fort Hays State University in the maintenance department. He worked in Hays for the college for about eight years before becoming disabled with diabetes. In 2009 Ed decided to move back to Smith Center to help care for his mother Della and spend time with his brother Larry.
In Ed's younger years he enjoyed playing the drums and singing, one of his favorite songs to sing was "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around the Old Oak Tree." While in Smith Center he enjoyed singing with the Hill and Woitaszewski's during their family gatherings. Ed loved to fish, especially with his great friend Chuck Meyer, he enjoyed hunting, watching ball games, going to auctions, helping with fund raisers, remodeling his home and going to the casino's a time or two a year. Ed also had a passion for motorcycles and loved to ride his trike with his brother Larry and others whenever possible. Ed touched many special people in his life, he had a big heart and was always willing to do for others as much as he could. He especially liked the holiday meals, Christmas and Thanksgiving and loved going his family's homes for dinner.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ed is survived by his brother Larry Thompson and significant other Darla Conaway both of Smith Center; sister Debra Cotton of Lawrence and a half-brother Terry Hansen and wife Patty of Joplin, MO; Aunt Shirley Vance and husband Vernon of Rexford, KS, Uncle Victor Mullin of La Mirada, CA, cousin Vicki Egner and husband Mike of Grinnell, KS, cousins Brian and Dennis Vance and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of Ed's life with be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2020 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, WaKeeney, KS. Memorials may be given to USD 237 - To be used for Grade School Activities and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.
Edward Thompson
December 31, 1957
August 07, 2020
- In Loving Memory