Walter George Thompson

Walter George Thompson, age 90, of Acme formerly of Cheboygan, passed away Monday, December 21, 2015 at Grand Traverse Pavilions. He was born April 20, 1925 in Cheboygan to George Harold and Ruth Eleanor (Elliot) Thompson.

Walter enlisted in the United States Air Force on April 3, 1943 and served his country during WWII as a veteran pilot and then again during the Korean War. He also served in the Civil Air Patrol and as an Aviation Flight Instructor.

Walter married Betty Mae Pallister on July 19, 1944 in El Reno, OK. Together they raised four children. He took pride in his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He worked for Traverse City Public Schools from 1948 – 1980 as a teacher and then as a Junior High principal.

Walter enjoyed telling stories about his life to his family and friends. He also liked hunting, fishing, camping, walking in the woods and reading. He demonstrated a positive outlook on life and expressed appreciation for his family and life experiences.

Walter is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Mae Thompson; children, Rebecca (Josh) Lesch, Jeffery (June) Thompson, Mary (Phil) Busman, and Elizabeth (Peter) Thompson; grandchildren, Mary, Scott (Jessie), Alex (Michelle), Jacob, Katheryn, Melody (Jake), and Matthew; and great grandchildren, Allyson, Natalie, Gabriel, and Max.

Besides his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his grandson, Paul Andrew Lesch, and his brother, Elliot Raymond Thompson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City.

Memorial contributions in Walter’s memory may be directed to The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Central United Methodist Church, or the Wounded Warriors Project.