Richard Doyle Thompson

RICHARD DOYLE (Dick) THOMPSON

Dick Thompson passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on February 28, 2026, after a lengthy battle with health issues at the age of 75. Dick was born in Worland, Wyoming to Doyle and Aloha (Leavitt) Thompson of Tensleep, January 23,1951. As a child he lived in Tensleep, Jackson, and Meeteetse, before moving to Saratoga in 1962, where his Dad worked as Game Warden for the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.

Dick grew up enjoying fishing, hunting, and skiing in the great outdoors with his Dad. He attended Platte Valley Schools in Saratoga. While in high school, Dick was a two-time State Wrestling Champion in 1967 and 1968. He also played football.

In 1969 Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years. He was deployed to Vietnam. He served in the 25th Infantry Division where he was wounded in combat and air lifted out of the jungle. Following his recovery, Dick returned stateside and was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, KS and served in the 205th MP Company as a Military Policeman. Vietnam forever changed Dick, but never diminished his strong spirit and kind heart.

After living in Jackson Hole for a while, Dick moved back to Saratoga and later married Debra Clever, in 1977 in Jackson Hole. They had two children, Daughter Kyle LaRae, and Son Richard Doyle II (Doyle). They later divorced. Dick never remarried.

Dick worked as a dragline operator at the Arch Mineral Coal Mine in Hanna for several years until the mine closure. He then worked as Corrections Officer earning the rank of Lieutenant at the Wyoming State Penitentiary. Dick later retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 2017, as a conductor.

Some of Dick’s favorite memories include: road trips in the blue Chevrolet Corvett he purchased after returning home from Vietnam, his purple speed boat, and water skiing. He also worked in Jackson Hole as a bouncer at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where he became friends with Waylon Jennings. He raced snowmobiles for Polaris while in Jackson Hole and raced snowmobiles in Saratoga until he was injured participating in a race. Dick loved taking family trips to Star Valley and Yellowstone Park. He enjoyed golfing, floating the river and listening to Wyoming Cowgirls Basketball games. Dick loved sailing in his own sailboat and going on Windjammer Cruises.

Dick was active in the American Legion, helping to remodel the current American Post building in Saratoga. He was Post Commander and later elected and served as State Department Vice-Commander and then as Department Commander.

Dick was a very generous person who thrived by helping others. He was a good man who dearly loved his family, and his dogs. Dick was affectionately known as “Dickie T.” He lived a simple life and had many good friends, including long-time friend William “Billy” Ewing.

Dick is survived by his Daughter Kyle(Brad), son Doyle; two Grandsons, Gage and Richard Logan Seahorn; two Granddaughters, Tiffany(Luke) Lineberry and Nicole Bauer; three great granddaughters, Aaliyah and Blaire Seahorn, Amberly Lineberry; Sister, Marilyn Verplancke(Sam); Brother, Douglas Bennett(Betsy) Keno, OR; Nephews: Glen Verplancke, Wasilla, AK and Steve Garetson, Saratoga; Niece: Tammy Munoz (Francisco), San Diego; Great Nieces: Krizia and Kiana Verplancke, Lindsey and Courtney Puckett; Great Nephews: Troy Verplancke and Caleb Puckett, and other relatives.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; Sister, Karen Anderson; Nephew, Danny Verplancke; and Stepmothers, Ruth and Pegge Thompson.

Viewing will be held Saturday March 7, at 10:00 a.m. with Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church in Saratoga, followed by internment at the Saratoga Cemetery with Military Honors. The funeral reception will follow at American Legion Post #54.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post #54 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1242, Saratoga, WY 82331.