John Curtis Thompson

John Curtis (Tom) Thompson, 92, died at his home peacefully on June 7 with family at his side. Tom was born on August 29, 1923 in Breckenridge, Minnesota to John and Nell Thompson. He attended Wahpeton High School and the State School of Science before accepting an appointment to the United States Naval Academy as a member of the class of 1947. After graduation from the Academy, he went on to serve in the Navy for seven years. Upon discharge, he returned to the Naval Academy as an electrical engineering professor and continued his studies at the Catholic University of America, earning a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. His role at the Academy shifted when he took a lead position in designing a new electronics lab and later designing and operating the Educational Resources Center and television studio. He retired in 1979 as a full professor and was awarded the title Professor Emeritus. Unwilling to truly retire, Tom finished his working career teaching mathematics for ten years at Anne Arundel Community College. On December 30, 1947 Tom married Doris Kathryn Gilles and they enjoyed over 65 years together. He Tom was a long time member of St. Mary’s Church and was active with the St. Mary’s Athletic Association. He Tommy was an avid golfer and club champion as well as a home electronics enthusiast. Tom is survived by daughters Sandy and Jonny, sons Hoot and Curt, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, June 12th, at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home Inc., 147 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD. A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Monday, June 13th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, followed by a reception at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake or to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation in Tom’s name would be appreciated. As the years passed, the bounty of his garden became a source of great joy, so flowers are also welcome. Online condolences may be made at www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com