Name: Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary
Address: Bakersfield, CA

On behalf of the Lara family, I want to express our condolence.  Gerald Thompson, known to us as Jerry was a lovely and honest man.  He was a second grandfather to myself and my other four sibling when he lived in Ojai.  He and his wife did so much for the whole family.  He did many things for us, but the thing that I will most remember is that whatever he did, it was always full of love.  Mr. Thompson will be truly missed.  May God bless him and his family.

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss this family has suffered at the passing of Grandpa. It's plain to see he was a very special person and a treasure to his family, and that he will be sorely missed. I wish I could be there to mourn his passing and celebrate his life with the family, but I am there in spirit and praying for you all. Rest in peace, sailor. We'll all feel better knowing you're watching us from above. Love, Audra

We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.   Susan and Kevin Tenney

Beloved husband of Mildred Louise (Witt) Thompson, father of Thomas Adie (Eileen Ann Wetz), Michael Lee (Caryl  Holman), Jerilee Ann Peterson, Patrick Allen (Karen Villicano) , grandfather of Matthew Aaron (Jessica Stroble), Marcus Andrew (Audra Krengel), Erin Thompson Curlett      (Cpt. Tim Curlett, U.S. Army), Garrett Thompson, Austin Witt Peterson, Kelly Cole Peterson, Sean Patrick and Laurel Ann Thompson; and, great grandfather of Kacey May, Caleb Dylan, Peyton Lynn, Kiley Maria and Lincoln Tyler Thompson. 

GLT, or Jerry, (to his friends) passed from this life at 2:05 PM PST, on February 26, 2013.  Jerry was born on September 1, 1927, in Des Moines, IA, to Lowell Vance Thompson and Lucy (Carey) Thompson Bast.  He graduated from high school in 1945 (as did his only sister, Jody Lawrence-deceased) from Natrona County High, in Casper, WY.  Not knowing how to swim, Jerry enlisted in the Navy at 17 years of age serving on a submarine tender, the U.S.S. Nereus, in the Sea of Japan decommissioning Japanese submarines at the end of World War II.  Jerry re-enlisted for a second tour of duty and was honorably discharged from the Navy in October, 1947. 

He married Millie on November 27, 1948, after winning a date with her in a poker game. She was the absolute love of his life. He attended the University of Wyoming at Laramie, and graduated with a degree in petro-physical engineering in 1954.  After working for Standard Oil of Indiana, the U.S. Bureau of Mines and Dowell, Jerry began a career at Shell Oil Company in March of 1955. He started there as an exploration field engineer and retired from Shell twenty-eight years later, his last two positions being Superintendent of Operations in Bakersfield, CA, and finally as Manager of Safety & Environmental Controls for the Pacific Region, based out of Ventura, CA.   

After retirement, Jerry enjoyed spending time with friends, was active in the Catholic Church, feeding the poor and participated in a prison ministry with his loving wife. In quieter moments he enjoyed watching sunsets from the deck behind their beloved home in Ojai, CA and looked forward to walks, talks and visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Toward the end of his life Jerry and Millie relocated to Bakersfield where his son, Patrick, and family reside, and where he had many good friends. He was a loyal and loving husband; an outstanding father/grandfather; and, a great friend to all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, with God's blessing Jerry, Dad, Grampy, Grandpa T and Grandpa Okie-Dokie.  WLYM.

Mass will be held Tuesday March 5th, at 9:00 AM at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with internment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Bakersfield Homeless Center www.bakhc.org.

OBITUARY

Gerald Lee Thompson

September 1, 1927 – February 26, 2013

Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest & Hillcrest Memorial Park

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