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Matthew Thompson Obituary

Thompson, Matthew Aaron, 34, died July 20, 2009 in Tulsa, OK. He was born in Wichita on July 8, 1975. Matthew wasn't a child long. As soon as he learned to talk he graviatated to adults and the issues that concerned adults. His heart was dedicated to those oppressed and hurting. He respected all cultures, peoples and religions of the world. He had more friends than we ever knew of or could count. Matthew graduated from Maize High School in 1994 and Sterling College in 1998. He spent time living and working in Honduras, where some of his ashes will be scattered. He returned home to attend Phillips Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity Degree in 2007. Matthew married his long-time best friend and soul mate, Lora Rae Jackson on June 7, 2008. Although their official marriage has been cut tragically short, the love they share will continue to radiate in the universe and in their hearts. Both loved the Grand Lake, OK area and bought a business, Lakesport Mazzio's, soon after their marriage so they could earn their living and enjoy boating at the same time. Matthew was an expert on the history of the lake and the construction of the dam and was always anxious to talk about it with anyone who would listen. Matthew is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Freeman and Martha Payne and his paternal grandfather, O.E. Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Lora Jackson; mother Mary and Allen Goodwin; father, Ron and Carol Thompson; brother, Lowell; grandmother, Jean Thompson; step-brother, Scott Goodwin; step-sister, Dana and Tom Baniewicz, aunts, Marie Miles and Lora Johnson; mother and father-in-law, Sara and Clinton Jackson and brother-in-law, Dale Jackson. Memorials have been established with Grand River Dam Authority Ecosystem & Education Center administered by Bank of the Lakes, P.O. Box 100, Langley, OK 74350 and Latin American Projects administered through First Presbyterian Church, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita. A memorial service will also be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2009 at South Grand Lake Christian Church in Langley, OK. You are invited to visit with family, Friday evening, July 24, between 6 and 8 p.m., at the home of Allen and Mary Goodwin.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle from Jul. 23 to Jul. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Thompson

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Sally Pachulski

February 14, 2010

I met Matthew in Honduras in the late 1990s after Hurricane Mitch. Although he was younger than either of my sons, he was, in many ways, my hero. His work was amazing. I've searched about once a year on the internet to find out what's happening with him so was incredibly saddened to read of this loss. He impacted so many lives and his spirit will live on. My condolences to his family.

Dennis Smith

July 30, 2009

I have been out of the country and so am only now responding. I was Matthew's advisor at Phillips Theological Seminary. I always enjoyed our conversations and his intelligence and quick wit. At my encouragement, he attended a meeting of the Jesus Seminar and followed the events closely. I will always remember how well he fit in with the other Jesus Seminar Associates and how much he enjoyed the conversations and friendships there. We will all miss him.

RoseAnn & Curly Ward

July 30, 2009

Carol, Ron and Lowell,
We are so sorry to hear of your sons passing away. You all our in our prayers for God's peace and comfort. Take care and God Bless you all.

Michelle Turner-Tipton

July 26, 2009

I went to MHS with Matt and I remember his passion for everything he believed in. He was a great inspiration. My prayers are with all of you during this sad time. I will always look back and smile when I think of him.

Scott Brooks

July 26, 2009

I just heard the news today, and my heart is with you all. Lora, words cannot express how you are feeling but I pray for peace in this time of your life.

Dear Lord, thank you for the time we were able to be part of Matthew's life and keep him safe in your arms in his Eternal Life.

Mike and Debra Wake

July 25, 2009

We were very sorry to hear about Matt's death. I remember his tender heart. I remember how he bought things to decorate the graves of the forgotten in the Tabor cemetery when he was just a boy. He will never be forgotten. We are thinking of and are praying for you.

Nathan Clayton

July 25, 2009

I was very sad to learn about the news of Matt's death. I knew Matthew at Sterling College. I remember many engaging conversations with him and his broad interests in life. I pray that the Lord would continue to comfort Lora and the rest of Matt's family during this time.

John DeVries

July 25, 2009

I pray God will hold Matt's family close during this time. I was at Sterling at the same time Matt was attending there. He was a man of integrity even as a young person.

Jackie Giordano

July 25, 2009

I do not know you But my heart goes out to you Kids. May the Lord be with you at this time.

J. R. Lidgett

July 24, 2009

I had the privilege of knowing Matt at Sterling, where we shared not only a room, but many great times. Between his rallying for equality amongst all people and his incessant rants about pledge support for Radio Kansas, what made Matt special was his ability to listen to anyone, anytime, and offer advice, whether they wanted to hear it or not. There hasn't been, and won't be, anyone with Matt's spirit and compassion in my life since those days, and I will always remember him and smile.

Laura Potillo/Vollen

July 24, 2009

I was so saddened to hear about Matt. My heart and prayers go out to his family. I remember the good old days in MHS band with Mr. Crow. We had some great times together. I only just started talking with him again on FB. He will be missed. I will always remember the old brown car that he tried to teach me to drive.

Pam Kirk

July 24, 2009

Dear Mary,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as our family heard the sad news of Matt's passing. I remember the high school years of fun Bryan, Tim and Matt had in band. You, I and Cathy also had good times as we started the booster club which still exist. Bryan is now the director so we've come full circle. Those were fun times and we enjoyed Matt so much. Remember to 48 Chevy?? He was a great person and a good friend. He surely will be missed by all who loved him. The Kirk Family

Donise McFarlane

July 24, 2009

My deepest sympathies to your family. Matthew was a classmate at Maize High School. He was always so positve, I have fond memories of him. To know Matthew was to be changed for the better. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

July 24, 2009

It saddens me to hear of Matthew. I just returned from doing a VBS with a youth group in Falfurrias, Texas. This is exactly the kind of trips I did with Matthew back in our Wichita days. My prayer goes out to Mary, Allen, & Lora. May you find comfort in the wonderful stories from people touched by this sweet soul. Sandy Pinaire, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Daniel Hilton

July 24, 2009

Mrs. Goodwin, I remember meeting Matt his first day on campus in Sterling. I was bringing my banjo in & he was carrying a tuba. We sat on the fence & played a hymn. He told me that I needed to pick a tempo & stick to it. I told him he was dragging behind. We had many wonderful times like that over those 3 years. Thanks

July 24, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Matthew gave so many people so many memories - he will be remembered with joy in very many places.
Sue Williams, PTS alum

Matt Filbert

July 24, 2009

I remember many a theological conversation we had while attending Sterling College and was glad to have gotten to know Matt as his RA. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife and family.

Jason Mitchell

July 24, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Matthew. I have not talked to him for years, but he remains an unforgettable person.

Tiffany Taylor Casey

July 24, 2009

My prayers and thoughts are with Matt's family. I attended high school with Matt and he was truly a special individual.

July 24, 2009

To the Jackson family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathi (Oakman) Smith

Erika Head

July 24, 2009

I was just wondering last week how Matthew was doing and I sought him out on Facebook. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to chat with him one last time before he passed. Life is just too short. My thoughts and prayers go out to Matthew's wife and family.
Maize High Class of 1994.

July 23, 2009

Carol and Ron,

I am so sorry for the loss of your son and will pray for your peace as well as a celebration of the good times. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet Matt -- he sounds as wonderful as his parents. Remember you are not alone at this time of great loss.

The Brink family
-- Colleen, Randy, Kevin, David and Jessica (Troop 776)

Connie Streit

July 23, 2009

Ron,Carol and Lowell, I pray you find peace in the passing of Matt. You have lost a son, a brother and friend to all. I pray God will ease your pain. Remember your memories with Matt as they will always be with you and you only have to close your eyes to have him there. You guys are such wonderful friends and my thoughts are with you. Love always,

jena thomison

July 23, 2009

Matthew was a sweetheart with a bright smile. My husband, Don, and I met him at Willow Park Marina on Grand Lake. Don and Matthew would discuss the joys of owning a wooden boat and Matthew and I would talk about Wichita. He was a fine captain. Please accept my sympathy.

Nancy Gage

July 23, 2009

I am sorry to hear about Matthew. I only knew him a short time as my daughter Angie Gage was in seminary with him. I always enjoyed the dinners and talks we all had when I was in Tulsa. My prayers are with your family. You will be missed.

Angie Gage

July 23, 2009

Lora and family - My prayers are being lifted for all of you. I hope that in this time you may find rest and peace. May the comfort and love of family and friends see you through.

Matthew's presence on this earth enriched all of our lives. He taught us to laugh a little harder and more often, and to love more purely. He will be missed. We are all better for having known him. He was my closest friend in seminary. I will always remember him.

Teresa & Allan Douthit

July 23, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to all. The void we feel in our hearts will never be filled. We loved him.

Wendy Jacobs Cole

July 23, 2009

I knew Mathew from Sterling College. He holds a very dear place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jed Schanz

July 23, 2009

Sorry to hear about Matt's passing. We rode the school bus together in grade school I remember he always had a weather report that he prepared everyday and loved to talk about Hamm Radio's

Scott Taylor

July 23, 2009

Prayers for healing, strength and peace to all who knew Matthew. Look for winds across the lake and brilliant sunsets sprinkled with humor and grace!

Emily (Fuller) Dunaway

July 23, 2009

I was so devastated to hear of this tragic news. I had not talked to Matthew in a few years, but have wonderful memories of the time I lived in Wichita. He was my first friend there and I am just heartbroken for Lora and the family. You are all in my prayers and I am truly blessed to have known my friend, Matthew. Peace.

Jani Crager-Byers

July 23, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Matthew. My brother and I have so many wonderful memories of being at Grand Lake with our grandparents, the Thompson's and Matthew on the Judy N and Wild Goose II. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Wendy McDonald

July 23, 2009

We will miss you Matthew. Maize Class of 1994. My heart goes out to the Family.

Heather Risinger

July 23, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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