Ronald Hugh "Ron" Thompson

THOMPSON, RONALD HUGH "RON", 69, of Douglass, Kansas, entered into eternal rest unexpectedly on December 15, 2025.

Early Life and Family
Born on April 28, 1956, in Woodland, California, to Robert and Twyla Thompson, Ron grew up on the family ranch outside the town of Yolo, where he enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes in Cache Creek. He was known for his steadfast faith and his immense love for his family. Ron was a devoted husband of 19 years to Susan Thompson, serving as a pillar of strength and a source of constant encouragement to those he loved.

Education and Aviation Career
Ron graduated from Woodland High School in 1974 and attended Sacramento City College from 1975 to 1977, where he completed a two-year aviation repair program, earning his airframe/power plant certificate. He began his career in general aviation repair at Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville, CA, in 1977, working there for about five years. He then moved to Sacramento Executive Airport for two years, followed by a decade at Woodland-Watts Aviation, working on Pipers and Beechcraft aircraft. Ron's last job in California was at Cessna Citation Service Center at Sacramento Metro Airport, where he worked on Cessna and Hawker Siddeley private jets, including servicing John Travolta's Citation before Travolta became a Qantas airline pilot. Ron relocated to Kansas in 2004, continuing his career as an aircraft mechanic for 45 years, with his final 14 years spent at Cessna Citation Service Center Wichita, Kansas.

Commitment to Faith and Community
Ron was a deeply committed member of Rose Hill Christian Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon. His life was a testament to the verse, "Well done, good and faithful servant." He found great joy in the monthly men's breakfast, assisted regularly with communion, and carried out many other duties as requested, always sharing the warmth of Christ with a radiant spirit.

Passions and Hobbies
Beyond his profession, Ron was an avid storm chaser, gardener, fisherman, and devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. He loved spending time with his two dogs, Stormie and Ladybug, and his cat, who he called Kee-Kee (Sunny). In California, he enjoyed all things aviation, from building and flying R/C airplanes and serving as president of the Woodland R/C Modelers Club for several years, to attending the Reno Air Races and riding in his favorite airplane, the P-51 Mustang. His hobbies in Kansas included outdoor photography, storm chasing, fishing, church activities, gardening, and more.

Family and Legacy
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Susan Thompson; stepsons Michael Strotkamp and Johney Strotkamp, wife (Lisa), Andrew Strotkamp, stepdaughter Crystal Strotkamp husband (Dave); grandchildren Austin Purk, Jayden Dalke husband (Alex), and Mia Spencer, Gabriel Bowles, Raylen Bowles; brother Derek Thompson; and sister-in-law Colleen Thompson of Yolo, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Twyla Thompson, and his ex-wife Judy Bridewell.

Service and Remembrance
A celebration of Ron's life will be held at the Rose Hill Christian Church 314 N. Rose Hill Rd, Rose Hill KS, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am. The service will be officiated by Pastor Les Miller, and a luncheon will be provided by the church following the services.

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Caring Hands Humane Society, 1400 SE 3rd St, Newton, KS, where Ron adopted his beloved dogs, Stormie and Ladybug, in his honor.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

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