‘Bill’ Thompson

Richland, 1932-2019

William “Bill” Thompson 87, died Nov. 4, 2019, at his home in Richland with his family by his side.

A memorial service with military honors will take place Thursday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Halfway. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception immediately following at the church.

William Albert was born on July 10, 1932, at Portland to Marion Agnes Babcock and Lyle Bert Thompson. He graduated from Gresham High School in 1950. He was married out of high school and they had 2 children. In 1951 Bill enlisted into the U.S. Navy like his father before him. He fought in the Korean War on the USS Yorktown carrier. During his Navy career, he received an education for electronics. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

Bill returned home from the service and met Wilma La Floyce. They were married in 1956 and had 6 children together: Brian (Kathy), Debra (Don), Diana, William (Sherri), Steven (Angelina), Peggy (now deceased) and Kodie. After the passing of his wife he met Beverly Jean Alley in late 2001. Bill moved from California to Oregon and they were married on Feb. 6, 2002. At that time he gained a stepdaughter, Cindy (Randy).

Bill and Bev enjoyed making memories and traveling. They decided to settle in Richland. He was a member of the American Legion and when moving to Richland, became a member of VFW Post 7847. He lived out his days reminiscing about the good ol’ days with friends and family.

Bill was a man of God who was well loved and respected by many in his lifetime. He loved to help others and he could be fun and playful though he was a strict and serious man when he needed to be. He really enjoyed playing golf, fishing and loved the Dallas Cowboys football team. A favorite style of music was country. He was always singing and dancing and could play many instruments. For approximately five years, he and Bev ran karaoke night at the Shorthorn in Richland.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bill loved to see the beautiful world God has made for us all. He was interested in fixing things so he made his career out of fixing and engineering electronic equipment with several companies: Western/ PAC bell, retired AT&T, GE, over his years of work service. Bill will be deeply missed and we will carry a piece of his heart with us all.

We’ll surely be happy when we see a rose we’ll think of you, husband, Daddy, Papa each day, his family said. So between now and then, till we see you again, we’ll be loving you.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bev; his children; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Bill the family suggests the VFW Post 7847 or the American Legion.