Harold Frederick Thompson

Harold Frederick Thompson, son of the late Paul C. and Gussie (Clark) Thompson, was born November 26, 1930 in Lockwood, Missouri. He grew up in Lockwood and Devil’s Elbow. Harold graduated from Lockwood High School in 1948 and was a player for their football team. Shortly after graduation, Harold entered the United States Navy and served his country faithfully from 1949 to 1953 and was honorably discharged. He had attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. While Harold was in the Navy, he was visiting his dad in Devil’s Elbow and met a girl from Waynesville, Missouri…..her name was Carol Lucille Porter. They were united in marriage on January 16, 1953 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. This was a dual ceremony with his stepbrother Ernie Massey and his fiancé, Patricia Long. Harold and Carol shared over 55 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Pamela Sue, David Harold and Eric Mitchell (who preceded him in death). Harold has a daughter-in-law he considered as his daughter, Shelly Thompson Heritage. Carol preceded him in death on April 5, 2008. Harold and Carol lived in Devil’s Elbow and he worked as a painter on Fort Leonard Wood and an electrical technician. He rose through Civil Service to become the lead of the COMET team. He also served as FLW Radiation Protection Officer and served as an inspector for the Inspector General. He retired at the age of 55 with 30 years of civil service. Harold’s family owned and operated the Elbow Inn in Devil’s Elbow and had since 1945. Harold and Carol continued running the Elbow Inn (tavern/BBQ) until they both retired and then leased the business. After retiring Harold and Carol traveled around the United States visiting all the places they wanted to. They were inseparable….they bowled in a bowling league together, hunted deer, pheasant and quail together, cooked together and just enjoyed each other’s company. Harold was active in his community and was also a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM. He was the sponsoring member, along with Dick Pennington, of the Charter Start of the Masonic Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Harold was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Shriner’s Organization. Harold passed away Thursday, Mar. 16, 2017, in his daughter’s home in Lexington, Kentucky having attained the age of 86 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Harold leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Pamela Thompson of Lexington, KY; his son, David Thompson of Devil’s Elbow, MO, six grandchildren, Chris Stewart (Jennifer), Amanda Miles (Brandt), Sean Thompson (Lindsay), Jayme Thompson, Cassie Thompson, and Clark Thompson; nine great-grandchildren, Brittney, Courtney, Abbey, Brandon, Lauren, Lincoln, Hudson, Paxton and River; one great-great grandchild; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, wife, and son, Harold was preceded in death by two brothers: Richard and Robert Thompson. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. The song “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” was played. Serving as escorts were Sean Thompson, Clark Thompson, Brandt Miles, Anthony Burns, Ernie Massey, Jr. and Chris Stewart. Burial with military honors followed in the Hooker Cemetery of Devils’ Elbow, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Harold Frederick Thompson

November 26, 1930 - March 16, 2017