Howard "Bud" Thompson

Howard "Bud" Thompson, 87, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, in Overlook Masonic Healthcare. His wife, Phyllis (Gould) Thompson died Dec. 24, 2007.

He leaves a daughter, Cynthia J. Giroux and her husband Gerald; 2 sons, Wayne Thompson and his wife Marilee of Menlo Park, CA; Darrell Thompson and his wife Jennifer of Oceanside, CA; a brother, Warren Thompson of Georgia; 2 sisters, Winifred Lucy of AZ, Gladys Curtis of Oxford, MA; 5 grandchildren, Erin Tyrol and her husband Jeff, Renee Giroux, Hunter Thompson, Ava Thompson, Cole Thompson and several nephews and nieces.

He was born in Southbridge, the son of the late Ralph and Grace (Barlow) Thompson and lived here all his life. He graduated from Mary E. Wells High School in 1942 and from Cole Trade in 1947. Bud served in the Navy during WWII.

He retired from the American Optical as a tool and die maker, in 1986 after 40 years of service.

He was a longtime member of the Central Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and sang in its choir.

He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and chair caning. He and his wife enjoyed many summers camping.

His funeral will be held at 10:00AM Friday, Dec. 30, in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St. Southbridge. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Calling hours are 6:00PM to 8:00PM Thursday, Dec. 29 in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Baptist Church, PO BOX 886, Southbridge, MA, 01550 or to Overlook Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Rd, Charlton, MA 01507.

An online guestbook is available at

BelangerFuneralHome.com