Charles (Chuck) Thompson

Charles Oliver (Chuck) Thompson, age 87, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at home in Kennewick, WA.

A memorial service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California on July 1, 2016 at 11:00am.  A lunch reception will be held immediately following the service at the Radisson Hotel in Chatsworth.

Charles was a proud WWII Veteran of the United States.  He enlisted as a Seaman with the United States Cost Guard at the age of 17.  He deployed from the Port of New York on July 5, 1945 for Europe.  Following his service with the USCG, he transferred into the Army of the United States on March 19, 1946.  He continued his tour of Europe until he was honorably discharged on August 20, 1947.

Charles was born in the Burning Springs area of Kentucky on June 22, 1928 to the late Steve and Flora (Carmack) Thompson.  He was the youngest boy of 4 brothers and 7 sisters.  After his discharge from the Army, he started his career as a truck driver for the Teamsters.  He married the love of his live, Mary Ruth Lockwood, on July 24, 1949 in Stamford, Connecticut.  Charles and Mary had two daughters in Stamford, Gail Marie in 1950 and Cathy McGarey in 1952.  The happy family of four moved to Southern California in 1956.  Two additional children followed, Charles Walter in 1959 and Irwin Steve in 1963.  

Charles became a successful self-employed business man during the 70’s until his retirement in 1995.  He charmed many and brought all that he knew to laughter, over and over again.  He was well loved by his friends and family. 

He is survived by his Sisters Judy Richards (Robert) and Jean Ridley (Ralph); his Children, Gail Thompson Jackson (Jay), Cathy Thompson-Arbuckel, and Irwin Thompson (Beth). Seven grandchildren; MaryAnn Warf-O’Connor, Cristina Reyff, John Warf, Kimberly Bright, Ronnie Krug, Charles Jr. Thompson, and Heather Thompson.  Ten great-grandchildren; Avery O’Connor, Tanner Reyff, Delaney O’Connor, Trent Reyff, Mackenzie Morrison, Kylie Rosero, Tamum Sarver, Maryjayn Thompson, Charles Thompson III and Joseph Raymond-Lee Thompson. Two great-great grandchildren: Adley Even O’Connor and Cypress Amileia O’Connor. 

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ruth Thompson and son, Charles Walter Thompson Jr. Four brothers, Raymond, Irving, Donald and Edward; and five sisters, Lillian, Gladys, Ruby, Ester and Viola.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Organization at www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the United States Veterans Administration for their help and continued support.

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God Bless America!