Gene Thompson

Melville Eugene Thompson, Jr. was born September 11, 1935 in Greenville, Texas. He later lived in Lake Dallas and Carbondale, Colorado, before moving to Tyler in 1988. He owned Dallas Oriental Gasket until 1984 when he retired. He had many hobbies throughout his life, including roping, model airplanes, and sailing. He loved dogs and raised German Shepherds for years, while also adopting many strays. He also raised homing pigeons and was a cattle rancher.
Gene passed away at the age of 88 on July 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melville Eugene Thompson, Sr. and Carmen Cunningham Thompson; brother, James Thompson; and son, Phillip Scott Thompson.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, June Thompson of Tyler; daughter, Tommie Jean Wood of Garland; son and daughter-in-law, Bryan & Stephanie Thompson of Missouri; six grandchildren, Karen Wood, Kelley Wood, Travis Wood, Lauren (Travis) Minor, Jake Thompson, and Tyler Thompson, and five great-grandchildren.
If desired, memorials may be made to benefit Alzheimer's research.