Robert Leo Thompson, 82, died Wednesday, October 18, at Western Prairie Senior Living in Ulysses
He was born December 24, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of Roy Martin and Chloe Mary (Bandy) Thompson.
Robert attended grade school in Arnett, Okla. His family moved to Woodward, Okla., in 1951, where he completed his primary education in 1959.
He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1958–1993.
Robert married Dolly Hill, December 28, 1961, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Woodward.
He then earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and his master’s degree in education and curriculum from Kansas State University.
Robert taught school at Skyline High School in Pratt from 1965-1968. His family moved to Ulysses, and he was a teacher and counselor at Ulysses High School from 1969 until his retirement in 2006.
Robert was a former ELKS and Kiwanis member, and current member of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the American GI Forum, Knights of Columbus, and Pastoral Council. Robert was very passionate about his faith, his family, and education. In the past, he was a DJ at KULY radio station known as “Rockin’ Robert” playing 50s and 60s music.
Robert is survived by his son, Chris Thompson and wife, Renee, Salina, Kans.; daughters: Carri Torchia, Denver, Colo., and Cynthia Schultz and husband, Marion, Ulysses; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Martin and Chloe Mary Thompson; and his wife, Dolly, in 2013.
Visitation was from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, October 22, at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.
Rosary took place at 7 p.m., Sunday, October 22, and Funeral Mass took place at 10 a.m., Monday, October 23, both at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, with Reverend Eric Gyamfi officiating.
Interment followed at the Ulysses Cemetery with military rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79.
Memorial contributions may be given to Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church Scholarship Fund or Parkinson’s Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
