Albert J. "Ab" Thompson

Albert J. "Ab" Thompson, 87, of rural Mound Valley, died at 7:33 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2014 at the Cherryvale Nursing and Rehab Facility in Cherryvale, Kansas.

He was born December 24, 1926 on the family farm in rural Mound Valley to Arthur J. Thompson and Lucile J. (Spoonamore) Thompson. He grew up on the farm and attended Enterprise School District 1 ^st through the 8 ^th grade and was a 1944 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont. Following his high school graduation, he worked for his father on the farm and also helped install pipeline.

During the summer of 1950, he was the first draftee from Labette County to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He received The Purple Heart for his services during the conflict. Upon his honorable discharge in 1952, he returned home.

Mr. Thompson worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant for five years before working as a rural mail carrier in the Mound Valley, Angola, and Dennis areas. In 1990, he retired from the United States Postal Service following 32 ½ years of service.

He was on the cradle roll at the Mound Valley United Methodist Church. He later attended the Altamont Independent Baptist Church where he served as a song leader for many years.

He enjoyed farming, working cattle, and gardening. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He and Dora L. Greenwood were married on November 14, 1953 at the Otterbein United Brethren Church in rural Parsons.

Survivors include his wife – Dora L. Thompson, of the home; one son – Kenton Thompson and his wife Dawn of Altamont, KS; one daughter – Karen Phillips and her husband Calvin of Dennis, KS

Ten Grandchildren – Charity Frey and husband, Peter, Caleb Phillips and wife, Janet, Holly Miksch and husband Andrew, Melody Phillips, Trey Thompson and wife, Sara, Tyler Thompson, Tucker Thompson, Linsey Ackerman and husband Zack, Arthur Thompson and wife Lindsey, and Jonathon Thompson

Nine Great-Grandchildren – Aidan and Alexis Frey, Andy and Elizabeth Miksch, Chester and Iscel Phillips, Tynlie Thompson, Elli Kay Ackerman, and Kobe Thompson

One brother – Max Thompson and wife Margie of Des Moines, IA

He was preceded in death by a son, Albert J. "A.J." Thompson, on March 13, 2006; his twin sister, Alberta Bryant, on July 25, 2008; a grandson, Joey Thompson; and a great-granddaughter, Kelsey Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday March 20, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Altamont. Burial will follow in the Mound Valley Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Altamont.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Altamont. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS67330.