Donald L. Thompson

Donald L. Thompson, 87, of Shawnee, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the Kansas City Hospice House.

Don was born to Rose and John Thompson on October 8, 1923, in Vinton, Iowa. Don was very active in high school, having served as class president, lettering in three sports, member of the National Honor Society and Glee Club, as well as sports editor for the yearbook. After graduating in 1941, he attended college at the University of Iowa before enlisting in the Army Air Corps.

Don served as a navigator on the B-17 "Boeing Belle", with the "Bloody 100th". He flew 35 combat missions over occupied Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Don flew three missions on D-Day supporting the invasion forces on Normandy.

After his service Don returned to college and earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Upon graduation he taught Business Law at the University of Kansas before entering the banking industry. Don retired in 1988 as an officer of InterFirst Bank in Houston, Texas. He was an avid gardner and golfer. Don was very proud of scoring two “holes-in-one”.

Don is preceded in death by his sister, Terry. He is survived by his son Steve Thompson and wife Gayle, Overland Park; daughter, Candace Oerth and husband Doug, Moore, South Carolina; his wife Carolyn Thompson, Shawnee; stepson, Kent Roberts and wife Bobbie, Lake Quivira; brother Dennis Thompson, Vinton, Iowa; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to The World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

Graveside Service

Graveside services are pending at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Please continue to check back for dates and times.