Richard D Thompson

Richard (Dick) Dean Thompson, 82, passed away on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 8, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in Joplin, Missouri, and lived a life defined by service, learning, and deep love for his family.
Richard pursued studies in mathematics, physics, computer science, and business marketing at Missouri Southern State College, Pittsburgh State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Oklahoma State University. His career reflected this broad academic foundation. He served as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Texas, research assistant in computer assisted instruction at Pennsylvania State University, continued his career in software engineering for NASA in Houston, and later contributed his expertise to Telex in Tulsa, Applied Automation, and ABB in Bartlesville. In his later years, he continued his passion for teaching as an adjunct instructor at Rogers State University and as a technology instructor at Paths to Independence, where he helped teach students 3D printing and inspired the annual 3D printed "Pinewood Derby."
Richard devoted his life to service. He served in the United States Army Reserves, held leadership roles in his church, acted as Scoutmaster for Troop 15 in Bartlesville, coached softball, and served as a school board member. He supported numerous charitable programs, including the Wagon Wheel Scholarship, Paths to Independence, and local environmental initiatives. Richard was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, attending the Asbury Sunday School class with Donna and enjoying nature with the Family Campers while his children and grandchildren were growing up.
Above all, Richard cherished time with his family. He loved the outdoors camping, canoeing, and exploring nature and found great joy in exuberant camp fires, Olivia Newton John albums, and playing with and mentoring his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His quiet humor, steady presence, and lifelong curiosity made him a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Donna Jeanne' Thompson; his children Steven (Tracy Fasanella) Thompson, Clair (Jay) Bartley, Catharine (Chris) Taylor, and Craig (Amanda) Thompson; ten grandchildren (Jaqueeta, Billy, Devan, Eric, Desi, Shiori, Andrew, Grace, Dante, and Marinda) seven great-grandchildren (Jayde, Trance, Evelyn, Kao, Clarissa, A'Lani, and Aubrey), and his brother David (Ramona) Thompson, two nieces, a nephew, and maybe a cousin or two.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Lily Thompson, and his brother Timothy Thompson. His legacy continues in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared
A memorial service will be held at Saturday, November 22 at First United Methodist Church in Bartlesville. where he was a member for 52 years. Memorial donations can be made to Paths to Independence, his favorite charity.
He will be deeply missed, and his memory will forever be a blessing.