Dates
Our precious, wonderful, hilarious, kind-hearted, loving husband and adored father passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 9, 2018 in Kansas City, MO while visiting family. Harold, "Hal," B. Thompson was born on November 28, 1946, in North Syracuse, New York, and was the oldest son of Harold and Gertrude Thompson. Upon high school graduation, Hal enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star with "V" Device. After completing his time in the service, Hal attended the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice. It was during that time that he met and married Helen K. Tubbs on November 4, 1971. He was employed by the University of Texas Police System from 1973-1978. During that time, he was named Outstanding Policeman of the Year for the Southwest Region which included Texas and New Mexico. In 1978, Hal and Helen moved to San Angelo where they built, owned, and operated Comet Cleaners for 30 years. Hal was involved in many clubs and organizations in his community, including the March of Dimes, Concho Cadre, Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree Knight), San Angelo Elks Lodge 1880 (PER), Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to name a few. Hal was known for his advocacy for his fellow veterans. He never met a stranger; he always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Hal didn't have one daddy's girl, he had three. He was Poppy (or Pop-Pop) to five grand-children. Hal is preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude (Wilbert) Thompson; his mother and father-in-law, LaVerne and Mutt Tubbs; and his brother-inlaw, Gene Lay. He is survived by his wife, Helen Thompson, his daughters Christina Thompson of San Angelo, TX, Megan Mercer and husband Curtis of Lees Summit, MO., Cathryn Sanders and husband Joe of San Angelo, TX, and grandchildren Cooper and Carson Collier, Liam Mercer, and Harper and Preston Harold Sanders. He is also survived by his father, Harold B. Thompson, Sr., sisters Mary Hunt and Charlene Rasha, and brother John Thompson; in-laws Sondra Lay and Micki and husband Bob Ducote. A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, March 15 at 3:00pm at the Vietnam War Memorial at the Mathis Field Memorial Park. Friends and family are invited to the San Angelo Elks Lodge after the service to share memories of Hal. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vietnam Veterans Association. The family would like to thank Norm Fountain, the San Angelo Elks Lodge 1880, and Amando Vasquez for their help and compassionate support. Hal enjoyed every day and would want each of us to do the same, finding the good in people and situations around us, providing leadership through service, and leaving everyone with a smile.