Clay Noel Thompson

MADISON- Clay “Butch” Thompson, age 75, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg of cancer. He was born on Jan. 23, 1938, in Madison, the son of Eugene and Mary (Kamrath) Thompson. On Oct. 14, 1961, Clay married Barbara Byrd in Rochelle, Ill. They celebrated 52 years of marriage earlier this week. Clay graduated from Evansville High School in 1956 and went to work for his uncle’s newspaper in Pardeeville. He was a linotype operator for many years. Clay was a professional in the printing field and subsequently worked for Impressions Inc., co-owned his own business, Randall Press, and finally worked for Madison Cutting Die. He enjoyed the Milwaukee Brewers, old Chrysler Cars and home baked cookies. Clay was also very spiritually minded, trusting his Savior and walking a life pleasing to the Lord. He was involved in preaching and teaching for two years in Rockford, Ill., and many Bible studies and individual counsel. Clay is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Carol (Paul) Bratland of Cottage Grove and Jeanette (Jerry) Kennedy of Burlington, Wis.; son, Jim Thompson of Cottage Grove; three grandchildren, Sam Bratland and Dave and Jessie Kennedy; and two nieces, Jennifer (Bill) Stone of Denver, Colo. and Jill Thompson of Decatur, Ga. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Mary Thompson; brother, John Thompson; sister-in-law, Sybil Thompson; and a nephew, J. Craig Thompson. Funeral services will take place at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Dr., Madison, at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, with the Rev. Cal Steiner presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 and also at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420