Roger Alfred Thompson

Thompson, Roger Alfred, 81, of Wichita, Kansas passed away Fri. June 3, 2016 at his home in Wichita. Roger, the son of Alfred and Gertrude (Brumbaugh) Thompson, was born on January 13, 1935, at home in Paradise, Kansas. He graduated from Paradise High School in 1954. In 1953, he was united in marriage to Dixie Finch. They had 3 children, Beverly, Robbie and Ricky. They lived in Salina, KS for several years where he worked in construction. They moved to Osawatomie, Kansas where he drove a bread truck. Dixie and Roger divorced in 1965. He made his way to Wichita, Kansas and married Carolyn (Harris) Thompson in Feb. 11, 1970. She had three children, Tami, Allen and Shelly. He eventually adopted Allen and Shelly. He worked for many years at Berry Tractor and Equipment Company until he retired. Roger was not very good at being retired and took a part time job as the train conductor for Joyland Amusement Park. Once the amusement park closed for the winter he decided since he liked driving people around so much he became a school bus driver. He drove for Wichita school district and then ended his bus driving career when he retired from Haysville school district in 2008. We lost Carolyn on April 27, 2008. After her death, he stayed active and socialized with friends in the Senior Citizen communities in Haysville and Wichita. At one of the many dances he attended, he met a very special companion, Lelia Waters. They enjoyed many things together including traveling, watching Nascar and college basketball, and of course dancing. Roger is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, parents Alfred and Gertrude, Brothers; Ronnie, Arthur, Gerald and Lex. Brother-in-law, Don McCall, Sister; Joy Sister-in-law; Norma. Survivors include his loving children, Beverly (Bob) Sunderland of Greely, KS, Robbie (Robin) Thompson of Bynum, AL, Ricky (Barbara) Thompson of Panama Beach, FL, Shelly (Jody) Nelson of Wichita, Allen Thompson of Leavenworth, KS, Tami (Pat) Ibarra of Wichita, sisters, Vivian, JoAnn, Sue (Rod), sister-in-laws, Florence and Joyce, 31 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren with one on the way, 9 great-great grandchildren with one on the way and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many. Visitation will be Wed. June 8, 2016 from 6 to 8pm. Funeral services will be 10am on Thurs. June 9, 2016 both at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th St. N., Wichita. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Wichita. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Haysville Senior Citizen Center, 160 E. Karla Ave., Haysville, KS 67060.