GARY THOMPSON

GARY THOMPSON Gary Alan Thompson, born on April 17, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home in Paola, Kansas, on October 4, 2025. A dedicated husband, father, and friend, Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and achievement that will resonate with all who knew him. Gary was a proud graduate of Westport High School, Class of 1969, and later earned an Associate's degree in Electronics from Metropolitan Community College - Maple Woods. His career as a broadcast engineer took him to esteemed news stations such as KCTV 5 and KMBC 9 in Kansas City, and Video Production Services, Kansas City, Kansas, where he produced national and local commercials. His video expertise led him to an enriched technology-driven career in digital video telecommunications and satellite broadcasting, culminating in a remarkable 30-year career with AT&T before his well-deserved retirement. Throughout his life, Gary was characterized by his deep family values and a commitment to making lasting memories. He built the family home and invested time and effort in home improvement projects, demonstrating both his skill and passion for creating spaces where family could come together. The annual pig roast he organized, which attracted up to 400 attendees, showcased his love for gathering people and celebrating life. An avid lover of the outdoors, Gary enjoyed camping during his younger years and found joy in simply sitting on the porch or dock, admiring the beauty of nature. His love of animals and nature led him to purchasing his farm in Miami County in 1984 and raising cattle, sheep and other livestock. Additionally, he cherished riding his motorcycle with friends, embracing the freedom and adventure it offered. Gary's involvement in the Boy Scouts began in his youth, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. This accomplishment fueled his commitment to mentoring his sons, helping them navigate their own journeys to becoming Eagle Scouts. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Thompson, whom he married on January 9, 1978, in Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his children: Melissa (Jason) Steinke, Jessica Duckworth, William (Danielle) Thompson, and Joseph (Alex) Frogge, along with nine cherished grandchildren, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Murde and Eva (Dingus) Thompson; his brother, Chester Thompson; his daughter, Beth Thompson, and his former wife, Carroll Crews Mills. Gary will be fondly remembered for his warm spirit, his strength as a family man, and his devotion to nurturing friendships that felt like family. His presence will be deeply missed but his profound impact on the lives he touched will undoubtedly endure. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, October 24, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas 66053. Memorial service to follow at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be held at the Louisburg Cemetery, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Immaculate Conception Capital Improvement Fund, Ursuline Sisters, or Lakemary Center Ursuline Legacy Garden, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.dengelmortuary.com Arr: Dengel & Son Mortuary Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas 66053 913-837-4310