Albert Leo Thompson

November 19th, 1930 – April 21st, 2025

Leo Thompson, of Colorado City, Texas, passed away on April 21st at the age of 94. He was born on November 19th, 1930 to William Albert Thompson and Beatrice Collier McGuire and was later raised by his stepfather, Henry McGuire, after the passing of his father.

Leo was a stoic man known for his strong work ethic, ingenuity, grit, and wide range of skills. After graduating from Colorado City High School in 1949, he spent his early adult years working as a carpenter and cowboy. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served 22 months during the Korean War. After returning home, Leo resumed carpentry work. Some of his notable work includes, helping construct the roof of the Episcopal Church in Colorado City and playing a role in building the Maryneal plant - work he was proud of. He later worked as a lab technician at the plant for 11 years before going on to own and operate both a local meat locker and a feed store in town. Throughout the years, he participated in team roping, a reflection of his cowboy roots and his love of horses. His favorite horse, Mister, was a loyal and notable companion that he never stopped missing.

Leo enjoyed working, and those who knew him would say he never truly slowed down, even after retirement. A man who liked to stay busy, he filled his days with different projects and hobbies. He spent several decades raising a variety of birds, his favorite was the parakeet. He also enjoyed growing and maintaining his vegetable gardens throughout the years. Leo cultivated many deep friendships, many he maintained for a lifetime. Between his friends, hobbies, and family, he always had company.

Leo married Fern Thompson in 1977, and together they built a life centered around hard work, faith, and family—a marriage that spanned 47 years. When he married Fern, he also welcomed her daughter, Jana, into his life. Jana and Leo had a loving and supportive relationship that grew deeper over the years. Jana, and her husband Scott, went on to care for Leo during his later years and through the end of his life with great devotion.

A longtime Baptist, Leo found great comfort in his faith, particularly in the final years of his life. His relationship with Pastor Ken Reamy was a meaningful source of support and comfort during that time.

To most, he had a stoic and tough exterior but to his grandchildren he was endlessly playful and loving. Leo, aka “PawPaw”, was deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren throughout their lives. He delighted in building an imaginative world for them out at the farm when they were young. Whether it was building forts, creating imaginary adventures, cheering from the stands, or just general life wisdom - he was always present and always supportive.

He is survived by his daughter, Jana Edmonds, and her husband Scott of Loraine; his brother, Dwaine McGuire, and his wife Sue of Snyder; his granddaughter, Madison Hammond and her husband Casey of Richmond, Texas; and his grandson, Carson Edmonds and his wife Silvia of Manor, Texas. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Fern Thompson; his sister, Pauline Light; his parents, and two nephews.

A cowboy at heart, a craftsman by trade, and a grandfather who never missed a moment—Leo will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on May 5th at Colorado City Cemetery. A meal will follow at Calvary Baptist Church. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Leo’s life.