Robert Edward Thompson, Jr.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ~ Matthew 5:4 Robert “Bobby” Edward Thompson Jr. (83) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family in Fairfax, VA. He will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, beloved father, and legendary “Poppy.” His fun-loving nature, kind heart and incredible sense of humor will never be forgotten. The unconditional love for his wife, children, and grandchildren will be forever cherished and may the many memories made throughout his journey live on in the hearts of all whom he touched. Bobby was a truly exceptional man. By the time he was 44 years of age, he had served six years in the Virginia National Guard (Sergeant), two years in the United States Army Reserve, nine years with the Fairfax City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and twenty years with the United States Park Police, retiring in 1982. Preceding the USPP he was a meter reader and mail carrier. At age 23, he became the youngest volunteer Assistant Chief for the Fairfax City Fire Department where he served as a firefighter and EMT and had a seat on the Board of Directors. After retiring from the Park Police, Bobby stayed busy performing various jobs for the United States Geological Survey, Allstate, Nova Blue and Long & Foster Reality before retiring for good in 2002. Bobby was also a Master Mason and proud member of the Henry Masonic Lodge #57 A.F. & A.M. for 61 years. According to Thompson genealogy, in the mid-1600’s, an emigrant who served in the British army was brought to Virginia for military purposes and thereafter established roots. The Thompson ancestry is related to five U.S. presidents as well as having descendants who served as senior officers in the American Revolutionary War, some directly under George Washington before he became the first U.S. president. Furthermore, the Thompson family has historical significance in Fairfax County, VA, having a road named after four generations of Thompsons who owned and lived on the property for over a century. His father’s childhood home still stands on the corner of West Ox Road and Thompson Road. Bobby’s great grandfather, Arthur (Tobe) Thompson, played an important role in the structural and architectural history of Fairfax, VA. Working as a carpenter, Tobe and his crew constructed many private and public buildings as well as the Old Town Hall in the heart of Fairfax City and the famous Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. His carpenter’s tools can be found on display at the City of Fairfax Museum and Visitor’s Center in Fairfax, VA. Bobby had many hobbies during his lifetime and compiled an impressive paper money, coin and stamp collection along with a variety of antiques. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and was an avid bowler on numerous leagues for the majority of his life, including several with his son. He loved vacationing at his eldest daughter’s lake house, playing volleyball and shooting pool with family. With his youngest daughter, he enjoyed watching the grandkids play sports and attending choir and orchestra concerts. Bobby spent most of his time relaxing at home with his devoted wife of 60 years, watching movies and completing jigsaw and crossword puzzles as well as visiting loved ones at their favorite eatery in Front Royal, VA. Bobby is survived by his wife and best friend, Marilyn Thompson, and three children, Stacy Lautar (Michael), Melinda Rodgers (Michael), and Bradley Thompson (Christine); seven grandchildren, Alyse, Alexis, Colton, Brady, Piper, Lily and Quinn; his sister, Carol Cunningham (Keith) and his nieces and nephews. He is now reunited with his beloved son, Mark Christopher (1967), in eternal peace and everlasting life. Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Demaine Funeral Home 10565 Main Street, Fairfax VA, 22030. A private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Robert Thompson Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by calling 1-800-478-5833; by mail at P.O. Box 3704 Memphis, TN 38101-2132; or online at: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/robert-thompson-memorial-fund “It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you. It’s what you leave behind you when you go.” ~ Randy Travis