Neforia Richard Thompson was born on December 29, 1932 in Carthage, Texas to the union of A.B. Thompson and Gladys Mae Thompson. Both preceding him in death along with his oldest brother Napoleon Thompson.
As a teen, he, his oldest brother Napoleon, baby sister Earline, and parents relocated in1948 from Texas to Palm Springs, California and then shortly after to Indio. At the tender age of 22, while living in Indio, he met the love of his life Wyvorn McGensy of Long Branch, Texas. Their relationship flourished and after meeting less than a year prior, they decided to marry. On July 6, 1956, the two love birds got married in the sight of God and family in Yuma, Arizona. At the time of their union, Wyvorn, had a son named Manuel Deason who was a little over a year old that Neforia decided to raise as his own son. Not long after being married, they had two more children, Richard Earl Thompson in 1957 and Gerald Wayne Thompson in 1960. After spending 4 years in Indio and 4 years in Banning, they decided to move to Santa Ana in 1964 to pursue what would be a great future legacy for the family.
Papa, as he was affectionately known by his family, began working at Disneyland in 1965. He was amongst one of the only few blacks that worked at Disneyland during the mid 1960’s. He broke segregation barriers that opened up opportunities for more people of various backgrounds to be hired at Disneyland. He was not only breaking barriers in his career but he also changed his life and recommitted himself back to the Lord with his wife and children by his side. He went back to church and was ordained a deacon under the leadership of Reverend Frank Williams of Community Temple Baptist Church as it was known at that time. After 30 years of hard work, commitment, and dedication, Papa retired from Disneyland in 1995.
Many knew Papa as an outgoing, caring, giving, and fun loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Great Uncle, Brother-In-Law, Deacon, and Friend. He loved his family so much, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved family gatherings (B-Ques), holidays, and celebrating his birthday or anything with a western/cowboy theme.
Papa loved going on fishing trips to Mexico, Salton Sea, and Lake Perris. As a matter of fact, once Papa retired and moved to Perris, Ca, where he and his wife built their dream home, he would go fishing at Lake Perris on a weekly basis. Papa’s favorite song was “A Change Is Gonna Come” by the late Sam Cooke.
Papa leaves to cherish his memories: His wife Wyvorn Thompson of 64 years, Santa Ana, Ca, his sister Earline Jackson of Orange, Ca, his sons, Manuel Deason of Santa Ana, Ca, Richard Earl Thompson of Orange, Ca, Gerald Wayne Thompson (Kristy) La Habra, Ca, Grandchildren: Rochelle Thompson, Derald Deason (Geoconda), Priscilla Deason, LaTosha Sheree Taylor (Robert), Destiny Thompson, Durrell Moss, Durron Moss, Richard C. Thompson, DeJon Deason, Denaye Deason, (18) Great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18