Fred William Thompson

Fred William Thompson, 82, of Decatur, Ark., died Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark.
He was born Jan. 26, 1943 in Poplar Bluff, Mo., to Estel Adrian "Bill" Thompson and Goldie Stein Thompson. His family lived in Doniphan, Mo., and also spent time in California, Iowa and Nebraska. He graduated from the Beaman-Conrad Consolidated High School near Marshalltown, Iowa in 1961, where he competed on the school's wrestling team.
Thompson attended Union College in Lincoln, Neb., where he met his future wife Carrie Marie Neal. They married Aug. 11, 1963.
He transferred to the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a degree in physical education. The couple moved to Southern California, and Thompson went on to earn a degree in physical therapy from Loma Linda University.
Thompson initially served as a physical therapist in California and South Carolina. Dr. Billy Hall recruited him to open a physical therapy department at the Gravette (Ark.) Hospital and the couple moved to Decatur, Ark., in 1976. Their daughter Janelle was born at the hospital in 1982.
At the time Gravette was one of the largest hospitals in Benton County. Thompson had a life-long love of learning and the small town environment and Dr. Hall's support gave him the freedom to specialize in topics beyond the scope of the typical physical therapist, such as cardiac rehab and wound care.
He treated thousands of patients in the community during his long career, retiring in 2010 from Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Ark.
Thompson faithfully served the Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Church as a deacon, elder, church board member and Sabbath School teacher. He was passionate about sharing the message of God's grace.
Thompson was a dedicated and loving husband, father and Papa. He set an example of being a difference maker through his career, community and church to his daughter and son-in-law, three grandchildren and extended family.
Thompson loved nature and the outdoors; animals, especially dogs; photography; travel; hiking and camping; and running and fitness. He could often be seen running down Bredehoeft Road before sunrise, and in his later years he continued to walk his dog three to five miles a day on his favorite route.
Thompson was preceded in death by his wife on July 10, 2020. Thanks to his medical skills, he was able to care for her at home through a long and painful genetic illness. Through their 57-year marriage they demonstrated true love and commitment. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Charles and Dorina Neal; his brother-in-law Alfred Neal; nephews Jack Hanan III and Kevin Hanan; and two infant children.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law James Jessen of Boonville, Ark.; grandchildren Emily, Isaac and Adriana Jessen; sister Helen Rogers and husband Bobby of Siloam Springs, Ark.; brother-in-law Chuck Neal and wife Connie of Chico, Calif.; nephews Scott Hanan and wife (and adopted niece) Denice, Jason Hanan, Matthew Rogers and Toby Neal; and nieces Kari Neal and Amanda Rodriguez; along with many great- nephews and nieces; extended family members and friends; and his beloved dog Hailee.
Pallbearers will be James Jessen, Emily Jessen, Isaac Jessen, Adriana Jessen, Scott Hanan, Keith Hanan and Matthew Rogers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Lloyd Clapp, Dennis Brinegar, John Miller, Chuck Neal, Larry Hulls, Bill Patton, Dr. Frank Webb and Lance Williams.
A visitation will be held at Wasson Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Church on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The burial will be at Tahlequah City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.