Lawrence Denzil Thompson Jr.

Larry was born Lawrence Denzil Thompson, Jr., on November 19, 1935, to parents Lawrence Thompson Sr., and Serilda (Emmerson) Thompson, in Santa Barbara, CA and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 5, 2024. Larry was the youngest of two children, having one sister Margaret (Thompson) Anderson. Larry moved with his family to Bakersfield, where he met his future wife, Sondra Davis, in the summer of 1957. After only a month and a half of courtship, Larry and Sondra were married and began their 66-year love affair. Sondra often spoke of the first time she met Larry, and their love at first sight. She had announced to her friends the day she met Larry that she was "going to marry that man!"

Larry built a beautiful life and family with Sondra. They welcomed two children, a daughter Denise, and son David. Larry began his over 50-year career with McKee Electric as a Machinist and worked his way up to Vice President. He worked alongside the Surgerner family through three generations. Larry's family often joked that McKee had to close the doors to finally get Larry to retire at the young age of 80.

When he wasn't at work or with his family, Larry enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid hunter of deer, elk, pheasant, quail, and dove. He traveled to Colorado and Utah with friends for hunting trips; and although he would often get seasick, he enjoyed deep sea fishing trips with friends and colleagues.

Larry was a pillar of society and donated his time to Kern County Search and Rescue, and the Sheriff's Mounted Posse. But his most cherished roles were that of husband, father, and Papa. Larry was devoted to his family and never missed a chance to be together. He was there for every holiday, birthday, graduation, and milestone his family experienced. Usually celebrating at one of his and Sondra's favorite spots like Mexicali or Tony's.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, son David, wife Sondra, and sister Margaret. He is survived by his daughter Denise Myers, grandchildren Anthony Myers (Faith), and Lynette Barca, and his adoring great-grandchildren.

The viewing will be held at Hillcrest Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road in Bakersfield, August 1, 2024, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral Service and Reception will be held at Luigi's Warehouse, 725 East 19th St. in Bakersfield, on August 2, 2024 at 11:00am.