Earl "Tommy" Thompson

On May 5, 2014 it was a cool bright sunny morning in the small community of Oakley, California, when Major Earl Wayne Thompson, simply known as “Tommy”, quietly slipped away and assumed his new post guarding heaven’s gates. Tommy was 95 years old.

Tommy was born in Cushing, Oklahoma on November 24, 1918. His parents relocated to Southern California where he grew up and in 1936 graduated from La Jolla High School in San Diego. In 1938 at the age of 20, Earl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1941 he met the love of his life Elizabeth Lemons and they married the following year. Earl served in China and fought in the Pacific in World II and later in the Korean War, where he was an infantry Company Commander. During his time in combat Earl was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with combat “V”, among other numerous medals and awards. In 1943 his daughter, Carol Lynn was born and two years later, in 1945, his son Burton was born. In January 1963, Earl retired from the Marine Corps attaining the rank of Major after 25 years of faithful service. However, Earl was far from being retired. Within a year, he joined the Federal Office of Personnel Management as a Civil Service Investigator in San Diego; he did this for several years and eventually retired again! In 1964 he enrolled at San Diego State College and graduated four years later with a degree in history. After graduating he went on to teach for 16 years at Kearny High School in San Diego where he eventually retired again! In 1976 his beautiful wife Betty lost her battle with cancer and passed away; Earl never re-married. During his “real” retirement years, Earl earned his private pilot license and enjoyed flying his friends and family throughout the states and Mexico. His son, Burton, once stated that his Dad could have flown a space shuttle to the moon and back! In his later years he enjoyed the local VFW, Marine Corps Reunions, flying, maintaining his home, a little “drinky-poo”, and visiting friends and relatives. In 2007 Earl relocated to Brentwood, California to be near his daughter Carol Lynn. Earl has spent his entire life in a distinguished public service career protecting his country and serving his community.

Tommy, a husband, father, brother, grandfather and Marine will live in our hearts and souls forever. May he always be blessed with “Fair Winds and Following Seas."