William Herschell Thompson

William Thompson, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away on September 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 10, 1958, to Roy Lester Thompson and Shirley Marie Thompson. On July 9, 1996, in Bentonville, Arkansas, William married the love of his life, Dianna (Blankenship) Thompson, and together they built a family filled with laughter, resilience, and love.

William was a man of many skills and passions. He found joy in carpentry and woodworking, creating with his hands and leaving behind pieces that reflected his craftsmanship. He also had a lifelong dedication to martial arts, carrying its lessons of discipline and strength into every part of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna; his mom Barbara Blankenship; sons Jeffery Thompson, Kevin Hensley, and Gene Skyles; daughters Vic Thompson, Brandi Skyles, Sheri Fogleman, Marti Thompson, Jennifer Thompson, and Tasha Hensley; brothers Herman Thompson and Emmett Thompson; and his sisters Teresa Moore, Shelia Thompson, Vicki Shilling and husband Steve, Dawn Blankenship and Ronda Trader.

William was a proud grandfather to Mary Thompson, Isaiah Thompson, Glenna Thompson, Jonathon Thompson, Jeremiah Thompson, Kristin Taylor, Jett Taylor, Mikayla Hensley, Michael Hensley, Deonna Skyles, and Dakota Skyles. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Riften Taylor and Shanna Taylor.

William will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son William Thompson, grandson Jeremiah Thompson, his parents Roy and Shirley Thompson, father-in-law Frank Blankenship, and sister-in-law Leisa Thompson.

William’s life was marked by hard work, craftsmanship, discipline, and above all, his devotion to family. He built not just with wood and tools, but with love, creating a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.