Daniel Huston Thompkins

A man of steady strength and unwavering dedication, Dad was the bedrock of our family. His life was shaped early by responsibility—he began working at just eight years old after his father’s death. From that moment on, he never avoided work; it was simply what he did. One of his earliest jobs was caddying at a golf course, which marked the beginning of a lifelong love of the game. Even after he stopped playing a few years ago, he could still be found at the course several times a week, faithfully keeping score.

Dad didn’t believe in grand or empty gestures. He believed in the dependable work of showing up. He offered sensible advice that cut through life’s complications—often financial, always practical, and never limited to money alone. He had a natural love for numbers and a mind wired for problem-solving, which made him the person we all turned to when we needed clarity or a plan.

Above all, Dad was reliable. If he said he would be there, he was—usually ten minutes early. His consistency was his love language. We never had to question whether we were supported; his presence was as certain as the sunrise.

Dad proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. His service included leadership in air traffic control and electronic maintenance, and he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. He received multiple commendations, including the Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

After his military service, Dad continued his commitment to public service for twenty years in civil service. In his younger years, he enjoyed tinkering with electronics, always curious about how things worked and how they could be fixed. He was also an avid hunter—not for trophies, but for the quiet, the discipline, and the purpose it offered.

He believed deeply that family extended beyond blood. Over his 82 years, he opened his heart and home to many “extended” family members—friends, neighbors, and those in need of a steady place to land. He mentored others with the same firm, kind guidance he gave his own children.

Dad valued education above all else. Having begun working so young himself, he was determined that his children would not have to follow the same path. He encouraged their learning, opportunities, and choices—always wanting more for us than he had for himself.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Kay (Rolin) Thompkins, whom he loved with unwavering devotion. Dad stood faithfully by her side through life’s most

difficult seasons, caring for her with patience, loyalty, and quiet strength until her passing.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Daniel Jr. and Crissy Thompkins, their children, Max and Turner Thompkins; Danyl (Thompkins) Pierson; her son, Lucas Pierson, and his wife, Rachael Pierson; and her daughter, Berniece Pierson, along with numerous other loving family members and a wide circle of “chosen” family who are better for having known him.

In keeping with his practical nature, Dad requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to BPOE Yuma Lodge #476, Disabled American Veteran, Make a Wish, or St. Jude’s, or that you simply take a moment to fix something broken for someone else.

Join us for a celebration of life at the Elks Yuma Lodge #476, Friday, February 13 at 1:00 pm. A private family ceremony with military honors will be held the prior on the same day at Desert Lawn Memorial Park at 11:00 am.