He was born outside of Wilburton, Oklahoma on August 25, 1933. He graduated from Centralia High School in Centralia, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army from January of 1954 to January of 1956. It was while serving at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana that he met the love of his life, Murlene Temple at a church event. Some of their favorite dates were going roller skating. They were married on May 25, 1956. They celebrated 69 years together earlier this year.
Edward and Murlene made their home in Kermit, Texas where they welcomed three sons. “Mr. Ed” worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company as a truckdriver from 1956 until his retirement in 1995. He was very proud of his safety record as a commercial driver.
“Brother Ed” faithfully attended (every time the doors were open) and served at First Assembly of God in Kermit as a Deacon, Song Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, SS Teacher, CA (youth) Leader, Bible Quiz Coach, Bus Driver and anything else that needed to be done. When work transferred him to Shamrock, Texas, he kept serving at the Assembly of God church there. After his retirement, he moved back to Kermit and continued serving at the church wherever needed. His life, prayers and testimony impacted many generations.
The highlight of every year for the Thompson family was a 2-week camping trip to Colorado. Family and friends camping out together enjoying trout fishing, campfires, food and games. His favorite saying was: “this is really livin’.” After his retirement, he bought a 5th Wheel RV and the two weeks turned into several months each summer. The tradition continues now to the fourth generation because “it is so good when we can all be together.”
Edward was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Jean Goforth, and his brother, Bobby Thompson.
He is survived by his beloved wife Murlene of Houston, sister-in-law Virginia Thompson of Kermit, Texas, three sons Tommy and Suzi of Bryan, TX, Paul and Michelle of Spring, TX, Phillip and Julie of Colorado Springs, CO.
Grandchildren: Ryan and wife Priscilla, Taylor, Colton, Brooklyn and husband Evan Albertson, Weston and wife Lynsi Tate, Delaney and husband Cody Smith, Jonathan and wife Sarah Ray, Justin and wife Kelsey Ray, Jacob Ray, Jeremy Ray, Aaron and Manda and husband Tim Krejci.
Great-Grandchildren: Ethan and Erah Thompson, Parker Albertson, Paisley Smith, Noah, Aden and Lili Ray, Skyler and Arya Ray, Lily Thompson.
A visitation will be held at the American Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77038, on November 5, 2025, from 10:30 am to 11:15 am.
A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm.
The committal service will take place at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77038, on November 5, 2025, from 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm.
