Roy Thompson
March 07, 1943 - September 26, 2018
Obituary
CROSS PLAINS/ LOUISVILLE, KY-Roy Elmer Thompson, age 75, of Cross Plains, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on March 7, 1943, in Okolona, Ky., the son of William and Dorothy (Abell) Thompson. After high school, Roy served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 until 1965. He was lucky enough to marry Barbara Ann Van Hook on July 9, 1965 in Shepherdsville, Ky., and together they raised two sons, Michael and David. Roy spent his working career as an electrical engineer. This took him all over the eastern and southern United States and together with his family, and he lived in Virginia, Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri, and of course his home state of Kentucky. Education was very important to Roy. Although he had over 20 years of formal education, he always considered himself a life-long learner and took many watercolor and woodcarving classes well into retirement. Roy graduated from Speed Scientific School at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky. and obtained his MBA from Edgewood College in Madison. Roy had a deep love of the arts, music, and literature and was a talented painter and woodcarver. In his retirement he often traveled to woodworking shows in Iowa and Nebraska. Roy is survived by the love of his life, Barbara; their two sons, Michael (Donna) of Tacoma, Wash., and David of North Royalton, Ohio; his brother, W. Kenneth Thompson; and sister, Virginia Thompson; as well as numerous other friends and relatives who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Truman. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON CROSS PLAINS FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2421 Church St, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Roy will be laid to rest with military honors at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King on Thursday afternoon. Roy's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Grelle and the clinic staff as well as the staff of Agrace for their loving support and care for Roy over the last months. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church Street
608-798-3141
Events
Memorial Gathering
Thu Oct 4, 2018 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care • 2421 Church Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Photos
No photos of Roy have been shared yet.
Memories
FS
Fritz Seybold
Other •
Barbara, It has been my joy to know both you and Roy thru our mutual carving interests. I have lost another friend. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I certainly enjoyed carving with Roy over the years. I will miss his smile, humor and Kentucky accent! Fritz Seybold
SD
Sara Duty
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this difficult time.
You have my deepest condolences.
Sara Duty
LJ
Lyn and Jay Jerde
Other •
Michael, you were a good son, and I know how much you treasured your father. Now treasure his memory. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
JD
James E. Daubert
Other •
Barb, our thoughts continue to be with you and family during this very difficult time. Each time I look at the 2 unoccupied seats in the Middleton Carving Group, it triggers many good memories of the positive playful, humorous interactions between you, Roy and the Carving Group Members that I'll miss but will not forget. Know that you and your family have many caring friends who will do whatever they can do to support you during this time of great loss.
ME
Mike Eastman
Other •
I enjoyed working with Roy at TDS Telecom in Madison. Roy was a funny and smart person. He always made our work more interesting. I ran into Roy in the Madison area after his retirement and still enjoyed talking to him. I really thought his wood carvings were absolutely astounding. He was a very talented individual. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I hope you enjoy your memories of Roy. He was truly a special person. (Mike Eastman/TDS Telecom/Waunakee)
MR
Marilyn Doll Rayner
Other •
My sympathy to you and your family, Barb. I wish I could come tomorrow and give you a hug. I have always admired the easy relationship you and Roy have had. You just had 'fun' in something as prosaic as class, and you made it better for me too. We have missed you two and my thoughts are with you as you move to a new kind of life.
A saddened painter, Marilyn (Doll Rayner)