BRO.  TOMMY  THOMPSON

Samuel Jerry "Tommy" Thompson, of Vienna, was born on July 22, 1938, at Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Samuel Sylvester and Merle (Bewley) Thompson, and departed this life at 7:04 a.m., on Monday, May 21, 2018, after suffering an apparent heart attack at his residence.  He had attained the age of 79 years, 9 months, and 29 days.

Tommy was united in marriage on February 19, 1977, at St. Charles, to the former Dorothy Elaine Ray.

He was baptized early in life, and after moving to Vienna in 1977, he and his wife became members of the Union Hill Baptist Church.  After a time, Tommy pastored the Cowboy Country Church, Iberia, and then the Grace Cowboy Church, Vienna, as long as his health permitted.  He was currently serving as the Honorary Chaplain of the New Bloomfield Cowboys for Christ Chapter as well as being a member of both the American Quarter Horse and National Cutting Horse Associations.

During his working life, Tommy was employed by the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation, St. Louis, as an Engineer in their Harpoon and Tomahawk Missile Programs and in their Apollo and Mercury Space Programs prior to his first retirement.  He was then employed by the University of Missouri, Rolla, prior to Missouri S & T, as a Research Scientist for a number of years before starting his own company; CST, Inc.; Rolla, where he worked with three dimensional imaging projects.  After his final retirement, Tommy enjoyed doing his ministry work, being with his family at the farm, and taking care of his horses and cattle.

On January 31, 1957, at Dallas, Texas, Tommy entered into active federal service in the United States Marine Corps and served until January 28, 1959, when he was honorably discharged at Camp Pendleton, California, at the rank of Corporal (E-4).  He was trained to be a Radio Operator, had qualified to wear the Rifle Expert Badge, and was in line to receive the Good Conduct Medal.  A man of excellent character, Tommy's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

Those left to mourn the passing of Tommy include:  His devoted wife, Dorothy Thompson, of the home near Vienna; his children, Gregg Thompson and wife, Becky, of Wichita, Kansas, Colleen Smith of O'Fallon, Missouri, Cheryl Stockwell and husband, Bill, of Wichita, Kansas, Randy Conoyer and wife, JoAnn, of Troy, Missouri, and TeJae Jackson and husband, Michael, of Hanna City, Illlinois; his seven grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren; many other relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents:  His father, Samuel, who was born in the state of Arkansas; and his mother, Merle, who was born in Venus, Texas.

The way Bro. Tommy Thompson lived and interacted with others is the best tribute anyone could have for his life.  Per his request, no formal services are planned with his final resting place to be in his home state of Texas.  Fond and precious memories will always be remembered in the hearts of his dear family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are by the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna with correspondence to the family in memory of Bro. Tommy Thompson in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri  65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family Bro. Tommy Thompson at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com