Gene was born on July 10, 1924 in Sioux City, Iowa to William Henry and Edna Evelyn (Hunt) Thompson. One of four children, Gene was proud of his connection to Sioux City. He attended schools in Sioux City and then entered the United States Army in 1943. During World War II he served in the Asian-Pacific Campaign serving in the Philippines and then in Japan after the war. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Iowa.
Gene was always faithful to the Methodist Church and it was at his church in Sioux City that he met the love of his life, Shirley Jane Ellerd. They were married at her home on February 3, 1950 and celebrated their 66th anniversary last month. The couple raised five children in Sioux City and then moved the family to Longmont in 1971.
Gene worked for Zenith Radio and TV in Sioux City where he was a production inspector. Always the sports fan, he participated in baseball and softball both as a player and as a coach. He was always involved in the teams of his kids and worked with them on their skills in the large backyard they had. Gene was always watching sports on TV namely baseball, football, hockey, boxing, and car racing. He also enjoyed listening to music, reading the news in the paper and listening to it on TV, and walking and hiking in the Estes Park area where Gene and Shirley spent time at their summer home.
Gene and Shirley always enjoyed spending time with their family and friends celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holiday get-togethers. The couple also enjoyed traveling. They were able to enjoy traveling to many places in Europe, Egypt and Morocco in Africa, Turkey, Costa Rica, Canada and many places in the United States including Washington, D.C.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: William “Bill” Thompson and Richard “Dick” Thompson. He is survived by his wife Shirley; his daughter Joyce Bowland and husband Jamie of Longmont; four sons: Jim and his wife Heather of Westminster, Gary of Longmont, Larry and wife Susan of Broomfield, and Danny and wife Dawn of Longmont. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Natasha, Brandon and Stephanie, Allyson, Tim and wife Christianna, and Michael and Rocky. He was fortunate to also have one great- grandson Eli. Also surviving are a sister, Barbara Jenkinson of Fullerton, CA, a sister-in–law, Marilyn Thompson of Sioux City, IA along with nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Howe Mortuary on Wednesday, March 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at First United Methodist Church at The Heart of Longmont, 350 11th Avenue, on March 17 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow. Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont.
Memorials are requested to the music program at the Heart of Longmont or to Front Range Hospice, 3770 Puritan Way, Unit E, Frederick CO 80516. The family appreciates the support of friends and church members for their cards, prayers, and support over the last two months.
Share condolences with Gene’s family at www.howemortuary.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18