Bill Thompson

William Raymond "Bill" Thompson, Jr., 74, of rural Parsons, passed away the morning of Thursday, October 3, 2019, at his home.

On July 31, 1945, Bill Thompson was born to William Raymond and Marie Jean (Buchovecky) Thompson in Oakland, California. Bill grew up and attended school in Syracuse, New York. In 1963, Bill graduated from high school in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Upon graduation from high school, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps. He was in the Vietnam War from 1965 - 66 as a radio and visual communicator. Upon discharge from the Marine Corps, Bill began working as a journeyman carpenter for Bill Thomas. He had also been a driver for the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, served as a Labette County deputy sheriff #4 and worked for Technocarbon. For 12 years, Bill owned and operated Dust Off Military Surplus and Collectibles. He had been a master carpenter for Kelley Newberry Construction, La Forge and Budd Construction and Kensington Apartments. He had been retired for the last twelve years.

Bill was baptized and confirmed at Christ the Savior Greek Catholic Orthodox Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was a lifetime member of the Brown-Bishop Post #704 and the Disabled American Veterans. Bill was also a member of Military Vehicle Preservation and American Legion Post #102.

He married Janet Lackey. They later divorced. On January 13, 1982, he married Judith Rector. She survives of the home.

Survivors Include:

His wife – Judith (Rector) Thompson of the home

One brother – Scott Thompson and his wife, Sonja, of Franklin, North Carolina

Two nephews – Bryan Thompson of West Hollywood, California

Chad Thompson and his wife, Marcilyn, of Tampa, Florida

One great-nephew – Ozzy Bo Thompson of Tampa, Florida

One half-sister – Barbara Foulsham of Medfield, Massachusetts

Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors given by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Parsons, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019 in Oakwood Cemetery, Parsons, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary No. 704. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, 405 Main, P. O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.