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BORN
1930
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
1617 Market St.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Donald Thompson Obituary
VADM Donald C. "Deese" Thompson, United States Coast Guard (Ret), 91, of Wilmington, NC, died peacefully Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Hospice.
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/.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Thompson
36 Entries
Jerry Leonard
November 3, 2025
He was a good friend and a great neighbor in Miami
Michael & Jane Selavka
September 19, 2022
Jeanne: It was with great sorrow that Jane and I learned of the passing of Deese through Coast Guard Headquarters. The six (6) months that I served as his Aide while he was the Atlantic Area Commander, located on Governor’s Island in New York City, was indeed the ‘highlight’ of my thirty-year career. You and Deese welcomed Jane and I into your home and hearts during my assignment as his Aide and words alone will never reflect the lasting impression both of you made on our lives and our own family. I know that Deese is now keeping-an-eye on me in spirit and I hope you have some ‘comfort’ in knowing how many individuals you and Deese have ‘touched’ during your marriage and lives. With humble sincerity, Michael & Jane Selavka (USCG-Retired).
Robert Minard III
September 15, 2022
It was an Honor and Privilege to serve with Admiral Thompson.
When he was the 7th District Commander, I was his driver, he made quite an impact on this sailor, and I will always be Grateful!
May our Heavenly Father embrace you with his Holy Spirt and warm your families grieving hearts!
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
With Respect.
Robert J. Minard III, Senior Chief (RET)
Barbara Lutton
September 12, 2022
My condolences and prayers to Jeanne and family. Deese and Jeanne were so welcoming to Tom and I at Coast Guard functions. Babs Lutton
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Michael Blair
September 10, 2022
A great Coast Guard officer. Even more so, a remarkable man, leader, role model, and inspiration. Admiral Thompson made a positive impact on so many lives. He will be greatly missed.
Barbara Voulgaris
September 10, 2022
I would like to send my most sincere condolences to Admiral Thompson’s family and friends. It was very sad to hear the news of his passing. I had the great pleasure and honor to meet Admiral Thompson on several occasions. He was such a caring and generous man and treated everyone with such kindness and respect. He sent me several personal notes over the years thanking me for different articles he read in the Commandant’s Bulletin. He was really one of a kind and I will never forget him!
Bernard Hoyland
September 10, 2022
Dear Jeanne, If Peggy and I could have ever picked our neighbors, we would have picked you and Deese. Life on Annette Island was an unforgettable shared experience like no other and for some reason, remembered fondly. We loved seeing both of you over the years at various too-short functions. Continuing my friendship with Deese by email has been a high point of my retired years. If your children should see Top Gun Maverick, please tell them for me that Deese was a better pilot and a phenomenally better officer. We were all blessed and inspired by both of your lives.
Carole Ferro
September 10, 2022
I remember him from the 5th district when he was Chief of Staff. My husband and I were proud to have served with him. Rest easy in the hands of God now Sir!
Frank Roberts
September 9, 2022
I feel honored to have known Deese Thompson. I admired him as a Coast Guard leader. Then it was a pleasure to be active with him in the community of Wilmington. It may have been his time to “cross the bar” but what a wonderful life he had before this! Sadness for Jeanne and the entire family. What a wonderful man to bless our Earth for 91 years!
Sr Clare Daniels
September 9, 2022
A great man who brought love and joy and laughter everywhere he went. I will miss him. My love and prayers are with Jeanne and family.
Sr Clare
Dennis Majerski
September 9, 2022
Although I have not seen VADM Deese Thompson for many years, I find myself deep in sorrow upon hearing of his passing. I had the distinct pleasure of working with and getting to know Deese while in the Coast Guard. What truly sticks with me, in addition to his professionalism, wisdom in all aspects of life, and deep love for the Coast Guard, is the wonderful feeling of comfort and camaraderie I felt whenever I was around him...even as a fairly junior officer. And he showed me that giving orders was not the only way to command. I am certain he is entertaining the heavens with many stories of his adventures on earth. Rest in peace, Admiral!
James (Mouse) Oldham CWO, USCG Retired
September 9, 2022
Admiral Deese was the original officer and gentleman. I was honored to serve with him on several occasions and even more honored when he and the entire aeronautical engineering group surprised me by flying in from HQ when I retired in Elizabeth City on 1 August 1980. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
Thad Allen
September 9, 2022
Reposting these comments from my Facebook page.
"It was with extraordinary sadness that we learned of the passing of Donald C, (Deece) Thompson in Wilmington NC. Deece was a larger-than-life figure who inspired several generations of Coast Guard men and women. A personal mentor to me, we spoke just recently, and he still exuded a joyful, outgoing, warm personality.
There are few people I have met in my life who I have admired and respected more. Our remarkable national treasure that is the Coast Guard is a little smaller and diminished this morning with Deece's passing but he will continue to inspire us by the way he lived and led our Service. Thanks, Deece! Our thoughts are with his family."
Pam and I send our condolences and regret we cannot be there to celebrate Deece's life.
Thad Allen
ADM USCG retired
23rd Commandant
Michael Barnes
September 9, 2022
Admiral, thank you and your family for unwavering service. Your leadership will carry on in and out of our service forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Rest peacefully Admiral.
Ronald Henderson
September 9, 2022
Deese was one of the founding members of the Cape Fear Seahawk chapter of the Association of Naval Aviation. His leadership and humor will be sorely missed by our membership. Deese was an original, a gentleman who served our nation honorably and well, and had a smile for everyone. The world is not as nice a place without Deese in it. I will miss him very much.
John Schrinner
September 9, 2022
My condolences to the Thompson family. In 1973, I was teaching electronics in Montgomery County, MD, but considering a career change. Mitch Thompson was one of my students and happened to notice a USCG recruiting pamphlet on my desk. He mentioned his father was in the Coast Guard and arranged for me to talk with him. After this visit, I was convinced to apply to USCG OCS. I did so and went on to enjoy an incredibly challenging and rewarding 30 year CG career, something made possible because this very kind, friendly gentleman took the time to talk with his son’s teacher. RIP VADM Thompsonand thank you!
CAPT J. E. Schrinner, USCG (Ret.)
Edwin Thiedeman
September 8, 2022
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Thompson family. I knew Deese through my late father, ADCM William Thiedeman, and while assigned to Governors Island as a young officer from 1987-1991. His always personable manner put a young Lieutenant Junior Grade at ease when briefing the Area Commander on recent events. My father always spoke highly of Admiral Deese Thompson, and having met him, I know why. He was an inspiring leader, a true gentleman, and a fine officer. May God's peace be with him and the family.
Howie Thorsen
September 8, 2022
I had the great privilege and pleasure to know Deese for more than 50 years...as a fellow Coast Guard officer, a few times working together closely ( he made it known that folks didn't work FOR him, they worked WITH him) and other times working alongside him on official duties. During our time after retirement, more than 30 years, we were often in close contact, via phone or email, concerning Coast Guard issues or matters. I know of no one who had the rare combination of intelligence, practicality, wit and humor, with an underlying humility that made everyone comfortable around him, regardless of any disparity in rank. A true gentleman.....he will long be missed by hundreds who were fortunate to have known him.
Chris Colvin
September 7, 2022
I was a newly minted commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter DILIGENCE homeported along the riverfront in downtown Wilmington. I received a call from the quarterdeck that a gentleman named Deese Thompson would like to see me. I recognized the name immediately. Everyone in the Coast Guard at that time would have. Deese had been retired only a few years. I said to “ding the Vice Admiral aboard with 8 bells.” I escorted Deese the cabin and we had a great chat. It turned out that he went to high school with my Dad in Erie. We ended up playing golf several times and at least once with my Dad. Deese became a mentor and friend. We traded Christmas cards and e-mailed frequently. When putting together a five month RV trip to the east coast this past spring one of my primary objectives was to pay a final “courtesy call” to Deese to thank him for his friendship and unerringly sound advice. In June we got together at Deese’s house to reminisce over a couple of beers. I’m so happy I got to see Deese one last time. He was a great American, great Coast Guard admiral, great family man and great friend of the greatest generation. I will miss him.
DEREK THOMPSON
September 7, 2022
Although the thousands of miles that physically separated Uncle Don from his brother Art, he was always in contact with his sense of humor and kind, considerate words. Even after his brother Art passed away Uncle Don continued his long distance communication with my mom and I. We will miss his genuine caring in reaching out to us and will never forget the fun times spent at Governors Island and Miami. Every person he met became a better person. My dad was very proud of his younger brother.
My mom, Nelly, my wife Martha and I extend our sincere condolences to Jeanne, Theresa and the rest of the entire Thompson family.
Nelly C. Thompson, Martha I. Cubides and Derek Thompson
Bogota, Colombia
susan reilly
September 1, 2022
I knew Deese for many years as members of the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary and Camillus ministers there, bringing the Eucharist to people unable to come to Mass. He was funny, often irreverent, kind, and warm. I can still see him at church -- the tallest, oldest man there, regardless of his physical health, straight as a poker in the front row, with a golf club as a cane He bragged to me how he walked the Muni into his eighties. I will miss him. My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Jeanne, and all of his family.
Gordon Boyd
August 30, 2022
I met Deese 14 years ago when he was President of the Board of Directors for Cape Fear Clinic. I interviewed with him for a staff position. Deese was the most kind and thoughtful man I have ever met. He cared for all people he met and generously donated time after serving on the Board as a volunteer in the clinic pharmacy. I will miss his warm smile.
EDELMA Z-HOLMES
August 30, 2022
Our sweet and kind Deese or “Deso” (like I usually called him at the Pharmacy at CFC).
You will be missed deeply. You gave so much to all of us that had the pleasure to know you at Cape Fear Clinic.
You lighted a room in a second with your bliss and presence every single time that you came to volunteer with us. Your delightful spirit and kindness were always your signature.,
My condolences to Jeanne and all the beautiful family that he was always so proud.
John Buckingham
August 29, 2022
Got to know Deese in 2006 as a new parishioner at St. Mary's and he coaxed me into volunteering at the Cape Fear Clinic. We shared our Naval aviation background (mine as a Marine Corps aviator) and he was always the lively, animated, genuinely caring man that many of us would like to be. He was a stalwart supporter of St. Mary's and a true Catholic gentleman. He leaves this world a far better place than he found it. Requiescat in pace Deese. Semper Fidelis.
Gerald Mohlenbrok
August 28, 2022
We had the honor of knowing and serving with Deece, starting in 1972 when we were both assigned to CGHQ. We both left D.C. in 1974 and then served together in San Diego. I deeply treasure the relationship with VADM Thompson and value him as a mentor, inspiration and personification of the "best a man can be". Our deepest condolences to Jeanne and their extended family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Jerry and Gail Mohlenbrok
Antonio Puente
August 28, 2022
I worked with Deese as a volunteer and subsequently as a Board member for Cape Fear Clinic. A kinder, more loving, and thoughtful gentleman with vast knowledge and wisdom would be hard to find. He left the world a much better place.
Diane Caster
August 27, 2022
My late husband, Bill, and I had the pleasure of knowing and serving with Deese and Jeannie both in the CG and after retirement in Wilmington. He was the finest Coast Guard officer that Bill had ever served with and worked for. Deese was so fortunate to have Jeannie in his corner with all the moves, taking care of a large family and fulfilling all the demands the CG put on her. They were a fantastic team and so proud of their family. Wishing blessings and God’s peace to Jeannie and his family.
William (Bill) Ricks
August 26, 2022
First met LCDR (Admiral) Thompson when he was stationed at AR&SC and was later privileged to serve under him at G-EAE, Coast Guard Headquarters. He was fair, clear in instructions and above all else honest in his dealings. A true gentleman. Prayers to his family.
Richard Appelbaum
August 26, 2022
I submitted an entry previously, but, apparently, it didn't make it to the website. So, I will try again...
Admiral Thompson was a SUPERB officer, leader, and gentleman. I worked for him when he commanded the Seventh Coast Guard District. I was his Staff Legal Officer, in the Coast Guard District that was certainly the busiest. Admiral Thompson had responsibility for the waters off of the coasts of the Southeast (Florida, both on the Atlantic and Gulf sides, Georgia, and South Carolina), the Caribbean, and beyond.
It was a joy and a privilege to know and work for Admiral Thompson. He was a natural leader...decisive, trusting, kind, considerate, outgoing, engaging, and supportive. He would not hesitate to take risks when appropriate, and he was a model of dignified presence.
My wife, Maureen, and I extend our sincere condolences to Jeanne and the entire Thompson family. A
ADC Retired Jerry C Leonard
August 26, 2022
Was with Admiral Thompson in Miami when he was 7th District Admiral. He lived in Coast Guard housing, he was a neighbor. Very kind and friendly man. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Ted Wojnar
August 26, 2022
I met Deese in 1953 when we were both Cadets at the Academy & we have been close friends over all these years. Deese & I had assignments together a number of times, I was Ops in the 11th District when Deese was selected for Flag & we were together again, for a second time, in Hq. Each of these assignments has many wonderful memories working together. Deese was always a thoughtful problem solver regardless of the issue, it was a true pleasure to work with him. Deese it is with all these memories that I say what a honor it has been to have known you. I leave with my best wishes to Jeanne & Family.
God Bless You All.
Ted Wojnar
Matthew Toomey
August 26, 2022
Captain (Admiral) Thompson was my group commander when my Coast Guard patrol boat was attached to his command in San Diego, California in 1975-1976.
I later served on the Air Station San Diego under him.
Captain Thompson was a good, fair man and a good officer, I remember him with nothing but respect and I am saddened to learn of his passing.
Rest in peace Captain Thompson.
Sharon & Harry Eramian
August 25, 2022
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Dennis. He has left an amazing legacy. We are sure he is resting in peace now as he knows that his sense of honor, duty and humor continue. Love, Sharon & Harry
John & Liz Churchill
August 25, 2022
Dear Aunt Jeanne,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I’m sure Uncle Don’s memory will forever live in your hearts as they will in our hearts. May he rest easy in grace and love.
With loving thoughts,
Liz & John Churchill
Mike Skirchak
August 25, 2022
I was a LT pilot when Adm Thompson was Seventh District Commander. I flew him a number of times and spent a few nights with him on the road after the Granada invasion. I Enjoyed my dinners on the road with the Admiral and the conversations we had. He was one of the people in my 37 years of uniformed service that I always looked up to and respected.
CDR Armand Chapeau
August 25, 2022
He was one of the finest officers I ever knew in the Coast Guard. A true gentleman, he had a great sense of honor, duty, and humor. I will always treasure the little bit of time I knew him.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
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Memorial Events
for Donald Thompson
Aug
27
Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
The Basilica of St. Mary
NC
Sep
9
Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
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Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401