Donald C. "Deese" Thompson

He was a good friend and a great neighbor in Miami

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...

My condolences and prayers to Jeanne and family. Deese and Jeanne were so welcoming to Tom and I at Coast Guard functions. Babs Lutton

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.

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!

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...

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!

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!