John Turner Thompson 1922-2007

John Turner Thompson, son of the late Bud Turner and Mattie (Frazier) Thompson, was born August 12, 1922 in Dade City, Florida where he grew up and attended school. John accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and was baptized.

As a young man, John enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement after 29 years of service. He had attained the rank of First Sergeant.

On May 6, 1947, John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Frances Coleman in Dade City, Florida. They shared over 59 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Rita and John, Jr.

After retiring from the Army, John enrolled at Rolla Technical College and Waynesville Vocational Technical School, completing carpentry programs and began working as a carpenter for several years. As a young man, he was a prize fighter. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors and fishing. He liked to watch boxing, playing the lottery, and music. He loved to sing and play the harmonica. Most importantly, he treasured the times that he could spend visiting with his family and friends.

John passed away the morning of Tuesday, April 17, 2007 in the University of Missouri Hospital & Clinics in Columbia, Missouri at the age of 84 years, 8 months and 5 days.

John will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife, Mary Thompson of the home; one daughter: Rita Thompson-Owens of St. Robert, MO; one sister: Maggie Gordon of Zephyrhills, FL; one brother: Willie Thompson of Dade City, FL; 2 grandchildren: Buffye Owens Balk of Jefferson City, MO and R. Chris Owens, Jr and his wife, Nikki of the state of Virginia; 4 great grandchildren: Justin Balk, Kimberly, Olivia and Chris Owens; special nephew: Leonard Gray of Dade City, FL; special friends: Mona and Billie Wilson of St. Robert, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two sisters and his son: John, Jr. (1990).

Graveside services with military honors were held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, April 23, 2007 in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery with Chaplain (MAJ) Alex Brown officiating. Serving as escorts were Lee Coleman, Jr., Justin Balk, William Bastean, Clarence Palmer, Jr. and R. Chris Owens, Jr. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.