Larry Ray Thompson, affectionately known as “Bear,” age 57, son of Wilburn and Hazel (Gann) Thompson, was born April 13, 1952, in his grandparent’s home in the Rocky Branch community. He passed away June 17, 2009, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Mo.
Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, Janis Thompson; his mother; both sets of grandparents; a niece; and a great-niece.
He is survived by his current wife, Denise Thompson of the home; his father, Wilburn Thompson of Cabool; two daughters, Marla Thompson Pattee of St. Robert, Mo., and Angie Barnes and her husband, Kirk, of Licking, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Katrina Lilly and her husband, Joe, of Ft. Lewis, Wash., and Katelyn Frailey of Branson, Mo.; one brother, Randy and his wife, Janene, of Cabool, Mo.; one sister, Judy Flageolle and her husband, Hank, of Mansfield, Mo.; four grandchildren; and three nephews.
As a child, he was a member of Simmons Baptist Church and was actively involved in the activities. He received Christ as his Savior at a youth rally at Moberly Church as an early teen and was baptized in water in 1968. In more recent years, Larry attended Faith Fellowship and for the past three years has attended Souls Harbor Family Worship. While attending Souls Harbor, Larry faithfully attended choir practices and sang in the Christmas and Easter choir presentations.
Larry loved hunting, fishing and riding his Harley. He enjoyed gardening, barbecuing and smoking meats. He could be found at the concession stand at the Houston football field for many years grilling hamburgers and hotdogs. Larry had also been a member of the Jaycees of Houston and an avid bowler, winning several tournaments and holding office in the local bowling club.
He worked as paramedic at Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, Mo. He said it was one of his most enjoyable jobs.
Larry loved his family dearly. It was the highlight of his day to watch his grandson in his sporting endeavors or spend time at the birthday parties for grandkids, siblings or parents.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was always looking for ways to take care of his family and friends and felt that God had given him each day to enjoy and live for him. He will be missed, but we know he is enjoying the beauty of heaven and is rejoicing in the presence of the One who created him.
Services were held at Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Souls Harbor Church with Pastors Cordie Wimberley and Bill Villapiano officiating. Pallbearers were Randon Brown, Kirk Barnes, Hank Flageolle, Zach Flageolle, Chris Flageolle and Chip Dudden. Burial was in Oakdale Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Care. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.
