Donald Ray Thompson

Donald Ray Thompson peacefully departed to be with Jesus on December 15, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Haynes Thompson, of Gladstone, Missouri; his son, Randy Thompson, Sr. (and spouse Stacey), of Gladstone; sons, Tim and Robert Thompson; daughter, Debi Pfrimmer, all of Spokane, Washington; and step sons, Roger ‘Tob’ Allen of Phoenix, Arizona and Rod Allen (and spouse Rhonda) of Edwards, Missouri. His surviving siblings are his loving sister, Carolyn Lashbrook of Derby, Kansas; his brother, Rick Thompson and sister, Sue Reams of Wichita, Kansas. Donald was born to George and Lucille Thompson in Fort Smith, Arkansas on February 19, 1938. He spent his younger years in Arkansas and Texas. He graduated from Derby High School in Kansas in 1957. He joined the army immediately after high school, attending basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and spent most of his tour located in Germany working in Field Artillery between 1957 and 1959. After his Army service he tried his hand at several things before finding his niche. He started his aviation career working for several aircraft manufacturers including Boeing, Cessna, and Beechcraft. In November 1964, he started working for Trans World Airlines at the overhaul base in Kansas City. He attained his Airframe and Power plant license in the late 70’s. He spent most of his career working in sheet metal and retired as a foreman for TWA in 1999. Work was not the only place that he fixed things. He enjoyed to do as much work on the cars and house that he could himself. He loved aviation history, car shows, and was quite good at crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was also a music enthusiast and enjoyed singing at church, and picking on the guitar. On February 27, 1971, Marlene married her “sweetie” Don. Their special song was “Easy Lovin” by Freddie Hart. They spent a lot of their early years hanging out with TWA friends and traveling when they could. In 1985, they co-purchased a lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks, where the family spent many weekends and summer vacations together over the years. The pontoon boat spent most of its hours cruising between the 33 and 50 mile markers in the Osage Arm. The fireworks show on the lake was a family tradition every year on the 4th of July. Having time with the grandkids was a special time at the lake. Papa / Uncle Don had special memories of ALL of the grand kids and nephews: Anastasia, Miranda and Randy “Bubba” Thompson Jr. Toby Lynn and Janelle Allen. Ryan, Matt and Lindsey Allen. Michael and Shawn White. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers David Thompson and Tommy Thompson, and baby grand daughter Angelica Thompson. Services are scheduled for Saturday December 19, 2015, at Moment of Truth Bible Baptist Church where he has been a dedicated church member for several years. 310 Randolph Rd, Claycomo, Mo. Visitation with the family will be between 9:00 – 11:00 AM and the Funeral service ministered by Pastor Phillip Coonce immediately following. Graveside service will be at the White Chapel Funeral Home 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO.