Kenneth A. Thompson

Kenneth A. Thompson

Rutland Town- Kenneth A. Thompson of Rutland Town passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 9, 1931, in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, to Kenneth G. Thompson and Grace (Kidder) Thompson. He was one of ten siblings and was raised in Derby, Vermont, where he developed the enduring values of faith, service, and devotion to family that guided his life.

After graduating from Derby Academy, Ken proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. His military service remained a lifelong source of pride and reflected his strong sense of duty.

On May 5, 1957, he married Nancy (Davis) Thompson. In 1958, they settled in the Rutland area, where they raised their three sons and built a life centered on family and community. He was a devoted husband and father, known for his quiet strength, steady support, and leadership by example.

Ken was deeply committed to his family and community. He spent many years actively involved with his sons through Boy Scouts, DeMolay, Freemasonry, skiing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities. He was a faithful member of the Union Church of Proctor, the Mill Village Chapel in Rutland Town and a 32nd-degree Mason for more than 55 years, as well as a member of the Shrine.

His service with the Rutland Elks Lodge was especially meaningful. He served two terms as Exalted Ruler and later as Vermont State President of the Elks Association, providing leadership that helped sustain the Silver Towers Camp for People with Disabilities. In 2017, he was recognized by the Robert Kraft Foundation for his dedication to Silver Towers Camp.

Ken also enjoyed gardening and generously shared his harvest with others. He dedicated 39 years to Rutland Plywood, where he earned lasting respect and friendships throughout the community.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Gary (Jeanette) of Rutland, Steven (Shannon) of Castleton, and Kevin (Carmen) of Rutland; grandchildren Trevor, Kyla, Katherine, Nathan, Kyle, Halie, Makayla, Kacey, Kaden, and Margo; and great-grandchildren Brodyn, Flynn, Renley, Lincoln, Vincent, Callen, and Scotty, his sister Susan Blair of Claremont, NH, sister Lois Brock of Newport, VT, sister Mary Choquette of North Clarendon, VT, sister Wanda Gosselin (Andy) of Derby, VT, and brother Lawrence Thompson of Derby, VT. He was predeceased by his parents, Brother Carlton Thompson of Milton, VT, Betty Thompson of Rutland, VT, Jane Thompson of Milton, VT, Jean Thompson of Newport Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermont State Elks Silver Towers Camp (Silver Towers Camp, c/o Carolyn Ravenna, 241 Lincoln Ave., Rutland, VT 05701). A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.