Charles Thompson

Charles A. Thompson of Roswell, NM, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Charley was the oldest son of Allen and Betty Thompson. He was born on January 10, 1951, in Cascade, Idaho.

Charley’s father served in the Air Force, and after being stationed in various locations across the United States and England, the family arrived at Walker Air Force Base in 1956. Charley graduated from Goddard High School in 1969, where he played football as a Rocket and participated in the first state championship in 1967. He continued playing football as a Bronco at the New Mexico Military Institute from 1969 to 1971.

Charley married Rose Anne Mesa on December 22, 1973, in Roswell, NM. They shared 51 wonderful years together and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Meghan and Lauren, who were the love of his life.

After many years working at Glover’s Packing Company, Dresser Atlas, and TMC, Charley returned to complete his college education at Eastern New Mexico University, earning a BS in Education in 1994. He began his teaching career at Sierra Middle School, where he taught social studies, geography, and New Mexico and U.S. history. He also coached sports and established a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at SMS, leaving a lasting impact on the students he mentored. Later, Charley joined Hagerman Municipal Schools as an elementary PE teacher and high school football and track coach. He retired in 2013, after 19 years of dedicated service to education, having touched countless lives through teaching and coaching.

Charley’s grandchildren—Cade, Anika, and Julian—brought him immense joy. He often debriefed football games with the boys, discussed agricultural topics with his granddaughter, and shared hunting and fishing experiences with them. Above all, Charley treasured sharing his faith, sending morning scriptures to guide and inspire his family.

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Betty Thompson, his beloved daughter Lauren, and sister-in-law Debra Carrasco. He is survived by his daughter Meghan and her husband Joseph Manzanares and their children Cade, Anika, and Julian; his brother Sid and his wife Janet; his sister Madelyn Thompson of Roswell; and his extended family, including Brenda Lee Hayes, Yvonne Mooney, Monica and Frank Dahlquist, Randy Morrow, and their families.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Christ’s Church, 2200 N. Sycamore Ave., Roswell, NM.

His family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to friends, loved ones, and all who offered prayers, support, and encouragement during Charley’s journey with cancer. Your love and kindness brought comfort and strength to the family during this time.

They also offer special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care Charley received.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to causes close to Charley’s heart: Christ’s Church missions and ministries, the Angie Ramirez Memorial Foundation, which supports local teachers and staff bravely battling cancer—and Harvest Ministries, Roswell, NM or a charity of your choice. Your generosity honors Charley’s legacy and continues his spirit of giving and service.