08/31/2017
Lawrence Earl Thompson of Santa Rosa, CA, passed away on August 31, 2017, after a valiant struggle with the effects of cancer treatment. Lawrence was born in Moravia, IA on June 5, 1929 to parents Archie C. and Maggie B. Thompson.
He grew up on an Iowa farm and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947 and continued his education at Capital City Commercial College, Des Moines, IA, and Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA, in Acct and Bus Admin.
In February 1954 he was inducted into the U.S. Army, took his basic training at Camp McCoy, WI, and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany at Headquarters, Battery Division, Artillery. He received his Honorable Discharge in February 1953. Lawrence began his career of 32 years with International Harvester Company in Des Moines, IA, and lived all over the United States.
He married Wilma Ann Chamberlain on October 10, 1954 and to this union two sons, Michael and Mark were born.
His loss is felt deeply. He is survived by his loving wife Wilma; sons Michael Scott (Mary), granddaughter, Taylor Nicole, Concord, CA; Mark Carroll (Xiaoling), grandsons, Thaddeus Roy, Elburn, IL, Rocky Chang, Tracy, CA, and eldest sister Virginia Kimberling, Des Moines, IA; many cousins, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
The help and support of Larry’s many church friends provided great comfort and caring during these past months. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following at First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Larry’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Foundation of Santa Rosa, CA.
Published Online in the Press Democrat from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2017.
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Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Trusted Friend to everyone he met, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of August 31, 2017 at 88 years of age, following 36 days of hospitalization and a valiant struggle with the effects of cancer treatment.
His loss is felt deeply by his loving Wife Wilma; Sons Michael Scott (Mary), Mark Carroll (Xiaoling), Grandaughter, Taylor Nicole, Grandsons, Thaddeus Roy and Rocky Chang, and Eldest Sister, Virginia Kimberling of Des Moines, IA., many Cousins, Sister-in-law, Brother-in-law and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
He was born, June 05, 1929, in Moravia, Iowa, the youngest of 7 siblings, to Archie C. Thompson, Sr. and Maggie Bell Stafford. He attended and graduated 8th grade from rural country schools, and graduated Knoxville High School in 1947.
He continued his education at Capital City Commercial College, Des Moines, Iowa, and at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA in Accounting and Business Administration, then working for Pioneer Seed Co., Pioneer Phosphate Co., Northern Pacific Railroad, before starting his 32 yr. career with International Harvester Co., in Des Moines, IA.
In February, 1951 he was inducted into the U.S. Army, took his basic training at Camp McCoy, WI, stationed in Augsburg, Germany at Headquarters, Battery Division, Artillery. He received his Honorable Discharge, in February 1953. International Harvester Co. (IH), had a position waiting for him on his return from Germany.
He married Wilma Chamberlain on Oct. 10, 1954. They looked forward to celebrating their 63rd anniversary together, this year.
His career took his family to 8 states, 13 towns, and 17 homes. In 1985, as Mgr. Finance & Admin., at World Head Qtrs. In Chicago, IL, IH was purchased by J.I. Case & Co. Following a final move to Santa Rosa, CA in 1986, he worked as a consultant with Komastu-Dresser Ind. In Hayward, CA.
After joining the First United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa, he served as Business Mgr for the years 1990-1998 and continued many years on the Finance Committee. As Business Manager he converted all accounting & payroll from manual to computer systems & developed and monitored annual operating budgets for the church.
He was passionate in his commitment to the ongoing financial well-being of the First United Methodist Foundation Board, and served on that body from 1989-2017.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Larry’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Foundation of Santa Rosa, at 1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405.