Lawrence Dean Thompson

LAWRENCE DEAN THOMPSON DEC. 2, 1930 - DEC. 26, 2007 Lawrence (Larry) Thompson, resident of Modesto, CA passed away December 26th at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA; he was 77 years old. He was born in Liberty, Kansas in 1930. His family moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1940. He joined the Air Force in 1948 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1952. He moved to California and worked for Foremost Dairy from 1952 to 1957. In 1957 he became an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration in Fremont, CA. He worked there until his retirement in 1988. He moved to Ripon, CA in 1989 where he was a member of the American Legion Post 190. He then moved to Modesto in 2001. Larry enjoyed many hobbies during his life. He was an avid ham radio operator. He loved hunting and target shooting, reloading ammo and building rifles. He was President of the Chabot Gun Club years ago. He was a gold minor and had a mine claim on a tributary of the American river. He worked that claim with all his heart and sole for many years. More recently he enjoyed handicapping the horse races. He also had a life long love of fishing and a dream of owning a big boat so he could go deep-sea fishing. He also loved eagles surely because they are a symbol of America and he loved his country. Larry is survived by his daughter, Robin Rossi of Coulterville, CA and son Michael Thompson of Euless, TX; his sisters Betty Jean Harper of Chatsworth, CA and Patricia Ann Hanson of Lancaster, CA; his nieces Cyndi Signett, Cheryl Parker, Caryn Frybarger, Lori Hanson and grand nieces Courtney and Britny Frybarger. Larry was a good man and made many long lasting friendships in his lifetime and will be greatly missed be all. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January l0th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel, 419 Scenic Dr. in Modesto and his graveside funeral service will be held Friday, January 11th, at 2:00 p.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA with military honors. Remembrances may be made in Larry's name to Alexander Cohen Hospice House c/o Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.www.modbee.com/obituaries