Robert Alan Thompson

Robert Alan Thompson, 80, a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, went to be with the Lord on August 5, 2026 at 11:20 p.m., in his home, surrounded by his family.

Robert was born June 23, 1946 to Geneva Grace (Crissman) and Milo Wilbert Thompson in Butler County, Pennsylvania. He grew up and resided in Rimersburg, PA, attending the Union School District and graduating from Union High School in 1964. In his youth, he played the trumpet and was active in his church and in Scouts. He went on to attend Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 1968.

He enlisted in the Air Force and began Basic Training in October 1968, later completing Officer’s training to become a 2nd lieutenant in Air Traffic Control. While in the Air Force, he completed his Masters through Pepperdine University. As part of his adventure in the Air Force, he was stationed at Misawa AFB, Japan; Thailand; Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi 3 times; Kincheloe AFB in Kinross, Michigan; Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma; Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York and Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was honored to support operations for the USAF Thunderbirds. He retired in 1988 as Chief of Air Traffic Control Operations with the rank of Major.

After retiring from the Air Force, he was hired as a civilian by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to conduct research. His main work was with the Yucca Mountain Project, which involved the containment of nuclear waste in underground containers, until the project was terminated in 2009. He later served as a government consultant and aerospace subject matter expert for Leidos Inc (formerly SAIC) until his final retirement in March 2024. Drawing on his Air Force background, he evaluated the environmental and community impacts of military aviation and fighter jet noise to guide government policy.

Known for his easygoing nature and trademark response, 'Okie dokie,' he brought warmth and humor to every conversation. He has enjoyed aquatics and active involvement with his church through attendance in a home bible study, regular attendance at his church, “The Crossing,” and virtual attendance at Jerusalem United Church of Christ in Rimersburg. He loved his hometown and returned as often as possible, especially for the yearly Memorial Day activities. Above all, he loved his family and took great joy in attending his grandchildren's various events, always there to cheer them on.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Grace (Crissman) Thompson; father, Milo Thompson and nephew, Logan Daugherty. He is survived by wife, Mary Thompson; children: Celeste (Michael) Lynch and their children: David and Elizabeth; Christopher (Angela) Thompson and their children: Andrew, Aiden and Caitlin; Kevin (Heather) Thompson and children: Julianna, Ilena and Leland; Celia (Ron) David and children: Riley and Ryan; step-daughter, Margie Mendieta; step-son, Mike Mendieta (Scott Bailey); sisters: Kim (John) Daugherty and Connie Traficante; 3 nieces and 1 nephew; 2 great nephews and 1 great niece.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Jerusalem United Church of Christ in Rimersburg (JUCC), P.O. Box 307, Rimersburg, PA 16248.