Dear Friends, December 2, 2017
It is with sadness that I share that Donald C. Thompson went to be with the Lord on November 27, 2017. He is survived by children: Tara (Duane) Sunnarborg, Kelley (May Begay) Thompson, Dale (Elizabeth) Thompson, Ross (Sharon) Thompson, Sara Kimm, Tracy Matlock, and Pamela (Timothy) Schram; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by grandson Justin Farrar, wife Jane Thompson, father Claude Thompson, and mother Irene DeCou.
He was born in New Jersey in 1936. Held a Ph.D., Ed.D, and M.Div. He worked all over the United States as a Methodist Minister while campaigning for peace and justice. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and César Chavez, and was a missionary to Peru through Global Missions with UMC.
Always an advocate, he tended to have an edge to his personality which isolated him as he tried to champion the causes of "the least of these". However, his last two years of life were marked by a special sweetness. His caregivers found him endearing.
He died peacefully in his sleep in Port Charlotte Florida at the age of 81. The family will hold a private memorial service. Those wishing to honor Don's life are encouraged to make a donation to one of the many causes he was known to support. For me, it will be World Vision. Each Christmas, father would purchase small livestock, in a third world country, for an underprivileged family, through World Vision, in the name of each of us kids. So, as Christmas approaches, I believe this donation will be ideal.
Thank you for enriching my father's life with your friendship. The family and I ask the Lord bless you and give you His Peace.
Sincerely,
Tara Sunnarborg,
Don's fist born child.