Catherine "Kay" Elizabeth Thompson

Catherine "Kay" Elizabeth Launer Thompson of Houston passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Catherine, affectionately known as Kay, was born to Emily (Millie) and George Launer on October 24, 1936, in Port Arthur, Texas. Kay attended Lutheran High, Houston, Texas before graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School, Austin, Texas in 1954. Kay most notably worked for the Athletic Department of Spring Branch ISD, Southern Machine Tool Company (with Robert), and retired from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Kay was a lifelong active member of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. She had a great love of all music, especially Christian and classical. She devoted much love and countless hours to many different aspects of church life including administrative, music, and education in each of her church homes. Kay and Robert raised their four children attending Concordia Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas. For the past forty years, she was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. Kay gave her time and talent to a few notable projects including helping establish and operate the church gift shop, publishing two cookbooks, and assisting with the making of Chrismon ornaments that continue to be displayed on one of the Christmas trees each year. Her kind, sweet, and giving heart will be missed by all.

Kay is predeceased by her adoring husband of 52 years, Robert Thompson, her parents, Emily and George Launer, and her brothers, Robert Launer and David Launer.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Suzanne (Beisert) and Paul Thompson, Janice (Albe) and Rick Thompson, Elaine (Linnenberg) and Larry Thompson and her daughter and son-in-law, Carole and Richard Sandell; ten grandchildren, Andrew Thompson (wife, Erin), Erica Meyer (husband, Hunter), Lance Thompson (wife, Lauren), Matthew Sandell, Alyssa Sharp (husband, Kyle), Tyler Thompson (wife, Lindsay), Jonathan Sandell (wife, Lauren), Carrie Nesloney (husband, Braden), Jack Thompson, and Beth Carter (husband, Alan); five great grandchildren, Luke Sharp and Isla Sharp, Brooks Meyer and Jackson Meyer, and Mattilyn Thompson. She is also survived by her brother, John Launer (wife, Jan), and her sister, Janice Morin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt thanks to Devotion Hospice and BeeHive Homes, Spring, Texas for the love and compassion shown to Kay and the family during her brief stay.

Kay’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 5th, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mark Lutheran Church located at 1515 Hillendahl Blvd., Houston, Texas. A reception will follow at the church. If you would like to make a memorial donation in Kay’s name, please consider St. Mark Lutheran Church, The American Cancer Society or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.waltripfuneraldirectors.com for the Thompson family.