REVEREND ANGUS B. THOMPSON

Obituary For REVEREND ANGUS B. THOMPSON

SERVICE

Saturday, September 20, 2025

11:00 AM

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

VISITATION

Friday, September 19, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

BURIAL

Crestview Memorial Cemetery

Garden of Memory

The Legacy of Reverend Angus B. Thompson

Reverend Angus B. Thompson, born February 13, 1939, in Kilgore, Texas, was a devoted civic and religious leader whose life was defined by service, faith, and a deep commitment to justice. From his early days as a student-athlete to his decades of leadership in education, community development, and ministry, Rev. Thompson left an enduring mark on every life he touched.

Early Life, Education, and Military Service

Rev. Thompson received his early education in Kilgore, Texas. He began his high school journey at Booker T. Washington High School, in Wichita Falls, where he played football under the legendary coach Ervin Garnett. He later returned to Kilgore to graduate from C.B. Dansby High School in 1958, earning the distinction of salutatorian. He enrolled at Midwestern State University, but his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, but in true ABT fashion, he chose the Navy instead. He served honorably during the Vietnam Conflict, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.

During his time in the military, Rev. Thompson met Shirley Houston, the love of his life. They married in 1964 in Lufkin, Texas, and the Lord blessed them with four beautiful children: Renate, Yolanda, Omar, and Monica.

Career and Civic Leadership

Rev. Thompson's professional journey began at Region 9 Education Center, where his mentor, Dr. McBride, then Director of Region 9 Education Center, recognized his leadership potential. Upon McBride's resignation, Rev. Thompson was appointed interim director. His commitment to service extended beyond education. While serving Region 9, he joined the board of Community Action Corporation (CAC) North Texas, an agency dedicated to supporting underserved populations. Rising through the ranks, Rev. Thompson became Executive Director, a role he held for 34 years. Under his leadership, CAC, opened the first area food bank, expanded vital programs such as HeadStart, Meals on Wheels, and housing services, and championed recovery support and transitional housing.

His passion for social justice was unwavering. Even while leading CAC, Rev. Thompson remained deeply involved in grassroots organizing. His work was never confined to boardrooms. He marched, protested, and preached for equality, even in the face of threats to his safety. These efforts laid the foundation for his political career, where he served 12 years as District 2 City Councilman, including 8 years as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Rev. Thompson's civic contributions were transformative. He helped establish the MLK Center, fought discriminatory hiring practices, and played a key role in developing the Softball Complex, Kay Yeager Coliseum, and the Wichita Falls' waterfalls. He advocated for the construction and lighting of the Emanuel M. Davis Overpass, improving transportation access for Eastside residents. He also supported improvements to the Downtown Library and Red River water treatment initiatives. Appointed by former Governor Preston Smith to the inaugural Texas Human Relations Commission, he also served on the boards of the Community Healthcare Center and Public Broadcasting in Wichita Falls and was honored to deliver the opening prayer at the State Capitol.

Ministry and Community Impact

Rev. Thompson's spiritual journey was central to his life. He sought the Lord earnestly and understood that true service required divine guidance. With the revelation that God had a calling on his life, he first pastored Macedonia Baptist Church in Quanah, Texas, for five years before founding New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. This ministry was born from a vision to serve the community more deeply.

Under his leadership, New Jerusalem became more than a place of worship-it became a beacon of transformation. He launched Operation Fresh Start, which revitalized neighborhoods, renovated homes, and restored dignity to families in need. The church provided food and clothing distribution, installed air conditioning for seniors, and ensured children received holiday gifts and shoes. He was passionate about no one in the community feeling forgotten. Rev. Thompson believed that ministry must meet people where they are, and he empowered his congregation to be the hands and feet of Christ in every corner of the city.

Also under his guidance, New Jerusalem Baptist Church partnered with WFISD through a robust school adoption program, supporting six campuses: Legacy High School, Hirschi Middle School, Kirby Middle School, Booker T. Washington, Scotland Park, and Kate Burgess Elementary. Volunteers mentored students, assisted teachers, and organized seasonal drives tailored to each school's needs. A cornerstone initiative was the Back-to-School Backpack Program, which provided backpacks filled with school supplies. This program, often paired with clothing and coat drives-was spearheaded by Rev. Thompson-to ensure every child felt seen, supported, and prepared.

Education and Personal Passions

Rev. Thompson earned both his BA and MS in Political Science from Midwestern State University and pursued his PhD at the University of North Texas. He later served as an adjunct professor at MSU and Vernon Regional Junior College, mentoring students and championing education at every level.

Outside of his ministry and civic work, Rev. Thompson was a voracious reader who built a personal library of hundreds of books. His collection spanned religious texts, history, cookbooks, philosophy, politics, and poetry, all reflecting his insatiable curiosity and intellectual depth.

Legacy and Family

Rev. Thompson leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and unwavering faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Thompson; mother, Katherine Waldon; brothers, Lester, Frankie and Charles Thompson; and beloved daughters, Renate Thompson Harris and Yolanda Thompson Stewart.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 61 years, Shirley; son Omar (Courtney); daughter Monica (Richard); brothers Jesse Jr., MacArthur (Juanita), and Harold Ray; sisters Dorothy Jean, Erma Jean, Betty Jean, Lavern, Donna (Antony), Carolyn, and Ennette (Albert). He also leaves eight grandchildren: Sharnese (John), Senora, Jillian, Kiara, LaFrance III, Omar Jr., Layla, and Kailey; one great-granddaughter, Anayah; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.