Richard Judd Thompson

Richard Thompson passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025 surrounded by family. Born in Eagle, Colorado on March 24, 1942, Rich lived a life marked by brilliance, determination, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved and the work he mastered. He left this world as he lived in it—a man of logic, fairness, and hands-on ingenuity, always “under construction” in the best possible way.

Rich was an engineer by training, a construction wizard by instinct, and a leader by nature. His career with Shell Oil Company spanned 33 years, during which he brought his expertise to roles starting in operations and later advancing to project management across the midstream and downstream segments of the business. His journey took him to Deer Park, Marietta (West Virginia), Geismar, NORCO, and Shell’s Head Office in Houston, with standout moments like being sent to NORCO to rebuild the Cat Cracker after it blew up—a testament to his problem-solving prowess. Early mentors Bettencourt and Wally Tanner shaped his path, and Rich, in turn, mentored others, including Paul Masta, who became part of his extended Shell family. After retiring, Rich consulted for Shell for another decade, spearheading a multibillion-dollar tri-venture project. Armed with a legal mind and genius-level logical reasoning, he outmaneuvered teams of lawyers—22 or more at times—representing the interests of three companies. From his home office (pre-COVID, no less), he bridged construction, legalese, drafting contracts with a clarity and foresight the legal teams couldn’t match.

But Rich’s life was far more than his professional accolades. His story with his wife, Jo Ann, began with a blind date neither expected to change their lives. In 1985, Jim Kimes, a Shell colleague, convinced Jo Ann to accompany Rich to the Shell Christmas Dance. She’d been divorced for 10 years; he’d recently lost his wife. Skeptical, Jo Ann drove by his Deer Park home on Deerpath to “check him out” and spotted a “Yard of the Month” sign—a manicured lawn that answered her prayers for a man with a strong personality who cared for his surroundings. That night at the dance marked the start of a journey together, one built on mutual respect and a shared love for life’s hands-on pleasures.

Rich was a man always “under construction.” At their Stablewood home in Houston, they were the only family tending their own yard—mowing, edging, trimming, and sculpting it into a masterpiece. Weekends found him at the beach house he built with his own hands in Galveston, Texas, a marvel of construction wizardry ahead of its time. Years before building codes required it, he used joist and beam hangers with special bolts to anchor the roof trusses to the walls. Every home he owned had an “under construction” project—unfinished rooms to some, but to Rich, they were works in progress, reflections of his restless creativity. The beach house became a gathering place for family and friends, where he entertained with the same care he put into its flower beds and framework.

Family was Rich’s cornerstone. Married to Jo Ann for nearly 40 years, he was a father to eight children and their spouses, a grandfather to 17, including his late grandson Aaron, and a great-grandfather to 13, including his late great-greatchild MJ. He treated each equally, from birthdays to Christmas, handwriting checks despite the “writer’s cramp” he’d jokingly lament. He set up a college scholarship fund for his grandchildren, balancing fairness with clear guidelines. A brother to Debbie and Ed, he cherished ski trips and beach house gatherings with their families. Friends like the Kimes, Fowlers, and Millers—met through Shell and sailing adventures in the Sea of Cortez—rounded out his life. In his final year, he quipped he had “more doctors than friends,” but his humor and spirit never wavered.

Rich loved teaching as much as doing. “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime” could have been his motto. Whether mentoring at Shell, guiding his family, or shaping a yard, he empowered those around him. His passions ran deep—sailing, travel, and the outdoors—yet he found equal joy in the quiet precision of a well-built truss or a perfectly edged lawn.

Rich is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Ann Thompson; his eight children Dr. Dale (Catherine) Southerland, Michael (Denise) Southerland, Michael (Mia) Levert, Brett (Claire) Levert, Dr. Keith (Kristin) Levert, Kim (Tim) Heath, Kristen (Paul) Belanger, Carolyn (Brad) Bryant ; 16 grandchildren ; 12 great-grandchildren ; his sister Debbie Plumlee and brother Ed Thompson; and a wide circle of friends who became family. He was preceded in death by parents Truman and Georgie Thompson; siblings Jimmy and Pat; former wife Madilene; grandson Aaron Belanger; and great grandson MJ Ortiz.

Rich will be cremated, honoring his life with services that reflect his love of family. A wake will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, La, on Sunday, April 6 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The funeral will follow on Monday, April 7 at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Baton Rouge, La, at 12:00 PM, with an hour of visitation prior from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A celebration of his life will also take place at the beach house he built, with details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to MD Anderson.

To those he leaves behind, Richard Thompson will forever be a builder—of homes, families, and legacies—always under construction, always extraordinary.