Richard Marvin Thompson

Richard Marvin Thompson, 90, of Gladstone, Missouri, passed peacefully on December 2, 2023. Born May 25, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, to Everett and Ann Thompson, Richard enjoyed being a big brother to Larry, played on the Topeka High School basketball team and worked at a drugstore soda fountain. After high school, he went to Kansas State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master in Economics, graduating in 1956. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta social fraternity and was nominated for pledge king his freshman year. The love story of Rich and his sweetheart, Mary (Ritter), began at K-State and would last over 70 years.

After college, Rich served six years in the Army Reserves, earning the rank of captain. He and Mary, along with their four children, resided in Kansas City (Gladstone), where he worked for the federal government in the Social Security Administration division. He retired in 1988 after 33 years of loyal service. He continued to use his education and talents, teaching economics at Maple Woods Community College, substitute teaching in the North Kansas City school district and working at Sutherland Lumber Company. A skilled carpenter, one of Rich’s passions was designing and building decks in his backyard, adding one almost yearly. He was a patient man and would listen to Mary’s endless ideas to renovate and improve their home, and then he would make it a reality for them. He also stayed active, playing tennis, swimming and playing rounds of golf with friends. Rich enjoyed traveling the world, camping, pheasant hunting with Mary’s family in Junction City, reading, solving crossword puzzles, listening to music (70s music was his favorite), caring for his backyard paradise, grilling, Mexican food, a good scotch and water, and playing bridge. He was a huge fan of his Royals, Chiefs and K-State basketball and football teams, often having radios on throughout the house, in the backyard and in the garage so he didn’t miss anything. Rich was a faithful member of Northminster Presbyterian Church for 55 years, where he served as an elder and Sunday School teacher. A two-time cancer survivor, he was a dedicated volunteer for the Bloch Cancer Hotline for many years.

His family remembers Rich as a loyal father, quiet, considerate and humble in his ways, stern when needed, but always willing to help and support. He was quick to share an inviting smile or a warm hug, and he was generous with his laughter. He was grandpa and PopPop to his seven grandkids. He loved to play and read books with them. As they grew, he taught them his building and handiwork skills. In recent years, he was blessed to meet his three great-grandchildren and delighted in their energy.

Rich is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (Ritter); his parents, Everett and Ann Thompson; his brother, Larry Thompson, son Michael Thompson; and great-grandson, Lucas. He is survived by daughter Connie Thomas, son Mark Thompson (Cheryl), daughter Cathy Myrick (Wayne); grandchildren Sarah, Joshua, Clayton, Jacob, Christopher, Peyton and Alison; and great-grandchildren Natalie, Landon and Aubrey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Northminster Presbyterian Church,1441 NE Englewood Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118 or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).