Robert Vernon Thompson

Robert Vernon Thompson passed away at his home near Allenspark, Colorado early in the morning on May 17, 2016 losing a nine month battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by his family near the time of his passing. Robert was born on May 15, 1924 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Alfred Vernon Thompson and Grace Loveda Lang. He grew up in the Great Depression and learned very young the value of a dollar. As a young man, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University working toward a degree in Music. In 1943, his studies were interrupted by an enlistment in the Army in World War II. He resumed his education after being discharged earning his Bachelor of Arts in Music. He starred in many musical productions as a student at Wesleyan including Blithe Spirit, The Firefly, Countess Maritza, Sweethearts, and The Red Mill. After graduating, he became the Director of Music at McCook College in Nebraska.

In 1950, he continued his education at Indiana University earning his masters degree in Music as well as his doctorate in Educational Psychology finishing with honors. In 1954, Robert took a teaching position at Indiana University and married Naiad Ada Mason. They were married on Christmas Day by Naiad’s father, Thomas Mason. From 1955 to 1964, he was the Dean of Students at Evansville College in Evansville, Indiana . During this time, his three children were born. His love of music followed him as he directed the music for The Old North Methodist Church choir as well as for a choir at a Presbyterian church . He taught at Colorado Women’s College for three years and in 1967 became Dean of Students at what is now Metropolitan State University in Denver. He later became Vice President of Student Affairs at MSU and retired in 1987. He spent his retirement years in Allenspark, Colorado where he enjoyed directing the Allenspark Community Church choir for several years. He spent his winters at his home in Mesa, Arizona.

He enjoyed many memberships in various groups including Blue Key, Theta Chi Fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa, Masonic Lodge, the Allenspark Community Church, and the Allenspark Senior Advisory Council. Robert is survived by his wife, Naiad Thompson, by his sister Marilyn Henry, by his children John Thompson, Susan Shelley, and Sherri Norland, and by his eight grandchildren. His memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on June 11, 2016 at the Allenspark Community Church in Allenspark, Colorado.