Donald C. "Deese" Thompson

He was born November 9, 1930 in Hollis, New York, to the late Arthur and Gertrude (Hauck) Thompson, and was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania.  He was preceded in death by his brother Arthur and his sister Marie.  He is survived by his beloved wife of  nearly 70 years, Jeanne (Kline) Thompson, as well as children Dennis (Patricia), Mitch (Barbara), Sandra Nolf (Randy), Janice Kiehl (Thomas), Theresa Sawyer (William), and Patrick (Kathleen), in addition to eighteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

VADM Thompson graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy in 1952 and his USCG career spanned 40 years.  After sea duty assignments on ice and weather patrol he earned his wings in 1955 and thereafter served at numerous aviation units from Alaska to Florida.  As a flag officer he served as Commander of the 7th CG District in Miami, acted as the Coordinator for the South Florida Task Force on Crime, and became the first Coordinator of the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System.  In 1986 he became Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Commander of the Atlantic Maritime Defense Zone.  Deese was a fixed and rotary wing pilot and was the USCG’s longest serving aviator - the "Ancient Albatross" - from 1985 to 1988.  His many awards include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal.

After retiring from active duty in 1988, he managed an overseas airport, became vice president and corporate pilot for a local firm, and was a consultant to aviation and maritime ventures.  He was an active member of The Basilica of St. Mary, a member of Civitan Club, volunteered at the Cape Fear Free Health Clinic, and served on several local non-profit and national corporate boards.  He treasured his large family, enjoyed golf, tennis, hunting, travel and family gatherings at the beach.

Friends may call at the Andrews Funeral Home, 1617 Market St, Wilmington, NC,

on Friday September 9th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.  A Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, September 10th, at 11am at The Basilica of St. Mary, located at 412 Ann St in Wilmington.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/).  

To share memories or express condolences online, please visit https://www.andrewsmortuary.com/.