Louis Eugene Thompson

Louis was born to Louis and Adell Thompson in Memphis, Tennessee on July 11, 1946. He was the only child of his father, Louis, Sr. Louis, Sr. was a Private First Class in the U.S. Army and had recently returned from the European Theatre of World War II with a Purple Heart, two Bronze Medals, and a leg full of souvenir shrapnel. As part of the “Greatest Generation”, Louis, Sr. went about the business of raising his family. Times were hard, but the Thompson's made the best of it.

The family moved around the country, going wherever work was available for Louis, Sr. They finally ended up in California, where he secured a job in the booming aerospace industry. He was a skilled machinist who worked on the first space shuttles, among other things.

Louis and his parents lived in many places before they settled in California in the early 1960's. Louis attended Norwalk High School, where he met his first wife, Nina Mace. He studied architecture, then became a machinist just like his father before him. Louis lived in Downey, Norwalk, Bellflower, Kernville, Brea, Wrightwood, and finally, Victorville. He especially loved the mountains and the deserts, just as his parents did.

Louis is survived by two children with his first wife Nina. A daughter, Tracey Adell Thompson-Burke and her husband Jeff Burke, a son, Stacy Louis Thompson and his wife Martha Thompson, and a granddaughter, Rachel Marie Thompson. He was predeceased by his second wife Janet, who brought him two wonderful stepdaughters, Tanya Finn and Stacy Crockett.

You may have called him Louis, Lou, Gene, or Tennessee. You may have known him as Dad, Grandpa Lou or Papa Lou. He was many things to many people throughout his life and made friends wherever he went. Louis got along with all types of people and was never judgmental or petty. He was neither religious nor atheist, Republican nor Democrat. He was a good man and an independent thinker who loved his country, trusted his instincts, and made his own decisions.

Louis was an extremely intelligent and talented man, whose gifts were far too great to be counted here. He was a skilled machinist and woodworker, who may have single-handedly invented the “trash to treasure” concept. He never ceased to amaze with the beautiful things he could make from bits and pieces. He shared his skills and knowledge freely and generously with anyone who needed a helping hand.

Louis had many hobbies and interests. He loved science fiction, history and adventure stories, with an old western thrown in for good measure. He loved all kinds of music and was a talented musician who played many instruments including the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He had a great time with video games, computers, and the Internet. He spent much of his free time building, collecting, and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed traveling around the country and visited many amazing places. Finally, he liked to go dancing and enjoyed spending time with his good friends.

Some of you did not have a chance to say goodbye to Louis. Always ready for the next road trip, he departed on his last journey very quickly. He spent his final days at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, with his family at his side and his friends in his heart. He would be touched that you are all here today. Louis said that someday, when his time was done, he wanted to just ride his motorcycle off into the sunset. No doubt he is cruising some beautiful highway right now.

Rather than feeling sorry that he had to go, we should feel grateful that he chose to spend his brief time here with us. His life was not long, but Louis lived it to the fullest. Celebrate his life, cherish his memory, and be glad he was part of our lives. By keeping Louis in our thoughts and in our hearts, he will be with each of us every day.