William "Bill" Andrew Thompson

Bill was born on April 6, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, to Wilbur and Margaret Thompson. He graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1964, then proudly earned a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from Texas A&M University as a “LOUD AND PROUD FIGHTIN’ TEXAS AGGIE CLASS OF ‘68.” During his time at Texas A&M, he was a dedicated member of the Corps of Cadets for two years and spent two summers working as a Park Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park.

In 1977, Bill was introduced to Patty Eastlick on a blind date set up by Dan and Pat Smith and was immediately smitten, proposing marriage just 72 hours later. They were married in April 1978, blending their two families and building a lifetime of love and memories. Bill was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren.

Bill’s career in Parks and Recreation took him to Beaumont, Baytown, New Braunfels, Arkansas, and Corpus Christi before settling in Irving, Texas, where he served as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for 21 years. He concluded his 31-year career back in his hometown of New Braunfels. Afterwards, he worked with the Alamo Workforce Commission, first in San Antonio as Area Coordinator for Rural Services and later managing the local Workforce Center office.

Bill’s dedication to service extended beyond his career. He enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard in 1969, earning his wings as a paratrooper and later commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant after Officer Candidate School in 1974. While living in Irving, he was honored with the Lone Star Medal of Valor for his heroic assistance to victims of a vehicle accident. He retired as a Major after 24 years of service.

A lifelong volunteer, Bill served on the Board of Directors of the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre for 10 years, was a past member of the Lions Club of New Braunfels and Downtown Rotary Club, and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Since 2001, he had enjoyed his years as an Opa with the Wurstfest Association earning the status of Senior Opa, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for 13 years, and served at Saints Peter and Paul Thrift Store for about eight years.

Bill’s hobbies brought joy to many. He crafted over 400 wooden crosses from wood collected on his many travels, gifted to family, friends, and Airmen of the Quarter. He also made walking sticks, shared generously with loved ones and fellow Opas. For more than 30 years, Bill delighted in playing Santa Claus, volunteering in New Braunfels, at the Brauntex Theatre, and Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals in San Antonio and New Braunfels.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia nee Garison Thompson; children Jennifer McFarland (William), John Thompson (Joanna), Ryan Eastlick (Kyna), Patrick Eastlick (Cresa); grandchildren Tyler and Austin Thompson, Catherine McFarland, Emma Clare Eastlick, Hunter and Luke Eastlick; brother Allan Thompson (Bonnie); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Margaret nee Walter Thompson.

The family extends special thanks to caregivers Pat Castaneda, Rebecca Bailey, and Sarah Murray for their devoted care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CurePSP.org in Bill’s memory.

A public visitation will be held on June 23, 2025 from 5 - 9 pm at Zoeller Funeral Home, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00. Funeral Mass will be held on June 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Burial will be held on June 24 at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.