Leonard James Thompson Jr.

He was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. He was the eldest and 1st son of 8 children born to the late Cozetta Berry Thompson, and the late Leonard J. Thompson, Sr. He was raised in the Church of God in Christ.

Leonard worked for his own money from a young age. He had a Newspaper route, did custodial work with his father, had his own car washing business at the age of 11. By the age of 15, he had his own checking account, he worked at Foremost Dairies, had his own retail charge accounts, paid his accounts on time.

He joined the Naval Reserve Unit right out of High School, and went on Active Duty in 1959. He spent 20 years in the Navy as a Disbursing Clerk, (Paymaster) in the Supply Department. He also served as a Navy Recruiter. He organized the 1st Softball Team and played Softball while assigned to the USS Dixon in San Diego, CA.

Upon retirement from the Navy, Leonard went to work for USA Petroleum Corporation as a District Manager over 9 Gas Stations. He retired as the Manager of Station 137, after 25 years serving the community of Spring Valley, CA. Leonard was very innovative in marketing and miscellaneous sales. During that time, he coached Pop Warner Football, & promoted San Diego Padres through Group ticket sales.

Leonard met and married the love of his life, Karen Cecelia, while he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. They were married 52 years. This marriage blended their families of Linda & Leonard, III, from his previous marriage, Karen’s son Kyle Liggins, and Andre & Thomas Lendell Thompson.

Throughout his life, Leonard was a warm, outgoing and engaging personality. He loved people and they loved him. He never met a stranger. He liked to engage in conversations and enjoyed sharing information, he had an incredible memory and had lots of stories to tell. He never forgot the people in his hometown and made it a point to reach out and stay in touch with all his friends & relatives. He was a Best Friend and Confidant to many.

When Karen retired, he fulfilled his dream of traveling the USA in his RV, that he affectionately called “Air Force 1”. They visited family, did some sightseeing, went camping with their friends and made new friends along the way.

Leonard enjoyed being in the kitchen cooking and baking. He dearly loved Karen’s Sweet Potato Pie. He had some recipes of his own and made the best Brownies and Apple Pie.

Throughout his life, Leonard never let his medical trials define him. He loved his life. He remained upbeat, and continued to reach out to his family and friends. Leonard never gave up. His body gave out.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen Cecelia (Ceil), his children: Leonard J. Thompson, III (Michelle), Linda Harrison (Booker), Kyle Liggins, Andre Thompson (Renee), Thomas Lenny Thompson (Wioleta), 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his Brothers: Rex, Tony & Tracey Thompson (Penny), his Sisters: Sonie Joi Ruffin (Isaac) and Leisa Thompson. He is predeceased by his Brother Robert Thompson and Sister Cheryl Markray. He lives on in the hearts of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, Family and a host of Close Friends.