Horace Arthur "Topper" Thompson

Horace Arthur “Topper” Thompson, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, died on Monday, December 15, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, marine, sailor, attorney, judge, and a gifted teller of stories whose larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Born in New Orleans on May 11, 1942, Topper came of age shaped by both history and determination. After graduating from De La Salle High School, he attended Georgia Tech then received his J. D. from Tulane University. He served in the United States Marine Corps, developed a lifelong love of the sea as a world-class sailor, and went on to build a distinguished legal career spanning nearly four decades. Specializing in labor and employment law, he was widely respected for his intellect, leadership, and influence on occupational safety and health policy at both the state and national levels. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, a role he regarded as one of the great honors of his career. He later served as a judge and administrative law judge, roles he approached with seriousness, curiosity, and deep conviction.

Beyond his professional life, Topper was known for his curiosity and passion for ideas. He loved poetry, music, film, and theatre. In later years he immersed himself in philosophy, theology, quantum physics, and family history, leaving behind carefully crafted scrapbooks for each of his descendants — tangible expressions of his love, attention, and storytelling spirit. Above all, he was a man who loved his family fiercely. He was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, generous with his encouragement, and expressive in his affection. Those closest to him knew that beneath his formidable exterior lived a man of sensitivity, depth, and a searching heart.

Topper is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan Virginia (Clark) Thompson; his sons Charles Clark Thompson (Toni) and Jeffery Hyde Thompson and his partner Allison Black; his grandchildren Phineas Clark Thompson, Sage Saylor Thompson, Piper Meriwether Thompson, and Hayes Wilkins Bailey-Thompson; his siblings Carolyn Ann Thompson Abaunza (Don), Bruce Henry Thompson (Bebe), and Susan Louise Thompson; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Horace A. Thompson, Jr and Ethel Hyde Strack Thompson, his granddaughter Liza Thompson and daughter-in-law, Sydney Bailey.

A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue in New Orleans on Monday, December 29 at 11am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Trinity Episcopal Church or Lambeth House Foundation. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com