Arkansas Online

WICHITA, Kan. — William M. (Bill) Thompson,

Wichita, Kan., passed from this life to be with his Savior in the early morning hours of January 6, 2022. Bill was born to Jesse and Maggie (Johnson) Thompson on September 15, 1926, in Wooley Hollow in the Centerville Community, Faulkner County, Ark.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ana, Warren, and Cleland; sisters, Carrie, Marie, Viva, and Lorene. Bill was also preceded in death by his wife of 13 years, Carolee Warrinner Thompson; and his wife of 33 years, Doris Ruth Burgert Thompson.

Bill was a generous person. He supported several charities for over 50 years; most helped ensure that people did not go hungry, especially small children.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wichita, where he served on several boards and committees. He was head usher for 21 years and donated countless hours in building up keep after he retired.

Bill was an active member of the United Methodist Men’s ministries organization. This group nominated and supported him as a John Wesley Fellow. He was very honored and thankful to be part of this prestigious society.

Bill was always a fan of Gospel music and traveled many places to listen and participate in musical events. He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Bill attended Conway High School in Conway, Ark., graduating with the class of 1944. He began his military service on January 5, 1945, serving in the United States Army. He attended basic training in Camp Walters in Texas. He then served in the Philippines and Japan during WWII. In Japan he served with the 376th Harbor Craft Company 7th Army Major Port Division.

After being honorably discharged from the Army in November 1946, Bill attended the Arkansas State Teachers College for two years, after which he taught farmers through on the job training. Bill also was employed by Arkansas Power and Light company. Then he worked for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis for 10 years. He was then transferred to Wichita, Kan., where he worked an additional 30 years as a Senior Quality Assurance Representive.

Bill and his wife, Doris, retired on the same day in 1990 and enjoyed 20 years of traveling and volunteer work together.

Bill is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins plus countless friends.

Funeral Services First United Methodist Church Monday, January 24, 2022, 10 a.m., Wichita, Kan. Interment Maple Grove Cemetery 1000 N. Hillside, Wichita, Kan.

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2022-01-20T08:00:00.0000000Z

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