Gary L. Thompson

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Gary L. Thompson, age 77 of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at his home. He was born December 31, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Leonard Thompson and Doris (Totten) Starr. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, completing helicopter flight training as an Army Aviator.

Gary graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master of Arts and Master of Social Work. As a Licensed Social Worker and Professional Counselor, he practiced for nearly four decades under the name Oaktree Associates, finding purpose in supporting clients.

Gary’s joy was anchored in his faith in God; strong friendships; cat companion, Zuwabe; and his loving family.

Surviving are his children, Michelle (Matt) Potter, Camille (Glen) Beck, Ryan (Kristi) Thompson, Jeremy (Lauren Rahman) Thompson; 9 grandchildren, Jason, Deb, Sam, Taylor, Alexis, Kamryn, Brynlee, Delaney, Carter; 3 great-grandchildren, Ben, Nate and Rylee; siblings, Ron (Wanda) Thompson, Chris Thompson, David (Elisabeth Kehoe-Thompson) Thompson, Tammy Starr-Evans; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step parents, Erma Thompson and Vernon Starr; brother, Dan Starr; former wife, Marcia Thompson.

The family will greet friends from 10:00 am until time of memorial service at 11:00 am at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs on Friday, January 9, 2026. A luncheon at Huggard Bible Church will immediately follow the service. Interment will be in the spring at Sand Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to NAMI.org/garythompson" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to continue his legacy of support and care.