Shawn Karl Thompson

1967 - 2023

Shawn Karl Thompson made his transition suddenly at the age of 56 in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the wee hours of the morning on Dec. 18, 2023, after stoically enduring a brief illness. Shawn's death was unexpected, but God knew the days ordained for him before one of them came to be. Shawn was born into a military family on Nov. 29, 1967, to Virginia Katherine (Johnson) Thompson and the late John Donald Thompson Sr. at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The youngest child, he joined his siblings John Jr. and Renee to form the unbreakable bond of the "Thompson Three."

A graduate of East Central High School in San Antonio, Texas, Shawn briefly attended Southern University and A&M College before transferring to University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) while serving in the National Guard for two years. He extended his time in the military by enlisting in the Air Force, serving honorably for ten years and rising to the rank of staff sergeant. At the time of his death, Shawn was employed by U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Fire Service where her served dutifully for over 20 years.

?Known for his easy-going manner, staunch work ethic, thoughtfulness and generosity, Shawn was a devoted son; dearly loved brother, nephew, cousin and faithful friend. In 1994 he became a proud "girl-dad" when the joys of his life, twin daughters Brandee and Brittany Thompson, were born.

Shawn was preceded in death by his father, John D. Thompson Sr.; brother, John D. Thompson Jr.; paternal grandfathers, David Summers and Oscar Barnes; maternal grandfather, Oliver Johnson; paternal grandmother, Laura Thompson Bowie-Barnes; maternal grandmother, Stella Marie Boudreaux; uncles, Charles Joseph Bowie and Percy Francois; aunties, Lille Mae Francois, Stella Himes Reynard and Ernestine Himes Harris; and first cousins, Deborah Marie LeCesene, Kevin Reynard and Leo LeCesene.

Shawn will be lovingly remembered and profoundly missed by his mother, Virginia K. Thompson; daughters, Brandee Thompson and Brittany Thompson; sister, Renee E. Thompson, and his Auntie-Godmother Brenda J. Johnson.

The loss of Shawn is also mourned by a host of cherished relatives, countless friends from coast to coast, and bonus sisters Dewella Lee and Stephanie Witherspoon Halman.

A celebration of Shawn's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at St. John Baptist Church, 802 17th Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701. The viewing is one hour prior to the service, starting at noon.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, 3285 LA-18, Donaldsonville, LA 70346. Shawn will be laid to rest at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery in Donaldsonville to the right side of his big brother, John "JT" Thompson Jr.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be sent to Demby and Son Funeral Home, 900 Magnolia St., Donaldsonville, LA 70346.