Sam Thompson

Sam Thompson, age 85, of Searcy, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2003. He was born May 11, 1917 in Kansas City, Missouri and moved with his family, as a baby, to South Arkansas, where he grew up in Lincoln and Calhoun Counties. He moved to Dover, Arkansas in 1973 and to Searcy in 1977.

He was retired from A. O. Smith Corporation in Houston, Texas, and served with the Civilian Conservation Corp at Monticello and Devil’s Den before joining the Army in 1940 at Missoula, Montana. He served five years in the Army during World War II in Italy and Africa and one year during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Thompson was a Charter member of St. Paul United Methodist Church; a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason; a member of Searcy Lodge #49 F & A M, Royal Arch and Royal Select Masters of Arkansas; Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star; a member of the American Legion #1000; a former member of AARP; and a Charter member of the former Little Red Rollin Sam’s Camping Club.

He was self-educated and had a passion for books and reading. The wonderful stories he told of his childhood and travels, his acquaintances and his working life will be greatly missed.

One of his greatest joys was tending his yard and flowers. He looked forward each Spring to see them grow and bloom.

Sam was skilled in carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, mechanics and farming.

He was preceded in death in 1984 by his wife of thirty-eight years, Gertrude Stevenson Thompson, who was the love of his life; his parents, Samuel F. and Emily V. Saunders Thompson; two brothers, Fred and Clayton; and a brother-in-law, Ben Selvidge; two sisters-in-law, Freda Allman Thompson and Willie Mae Elkins Thompson.

Surviving are one brother, Guy, of St. Louis, Missouri; three sisters, Gladys Selvidge of Hot Springs, Lucille (Fred) Moore of Crossett, Emily (George) Holland of Canyon Lake, Texas; five nephews; two nieces; and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by his present wife of 15 years, Ila Jean Besancon Thompson. He was called “Sam” by his stepson, Randy Lee (Mary) Besancon, Sr. of Jacksonville; his three eldest step-grandchildren, Randy Lee (Stacey) Besancon, Jr. of Cabot, Tina (Jim) Rotenbury of Russellville and Becky (Floyd) Denney of Pottsville. He was lovingly called “Papa” by his two younger step-grandchildren, Rachel and Daniel Besancon of Jacksonville and his five step-great-grandchildren, Rusty and Jessie Rotenbury, Brannah and Hunter Besancon and Bradlee Denney. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Pauline Harden of Cabot. He was called “Uncle” by Jean’s nephews and nieces.

Visitation begins at noon Monday, April 14, 2003, with family receiving guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home.

Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at Westbrook Chapel, with Eastern Star service. Burial will be in Concord Cemetery, Lonoke County, with Masonic rites. Pall bearers will be Searcy Masonic Lodge.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2509 Beebe-Capps, Searcy, AR, 72143.