Richard Thompson

Richard Lee Thompson, 76, formerly of Caldwell, died on July 20 in Battle Creek, Michigan.

A Masonic burial will be held at the Caldwell Masonic Cemetery Saturday, January 15, at 10:00am.  Military Honors will be provided by the VFW Post# 4458.

Thompson was born on Oct. 1, 1944, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and he made his home in La Crosse, Wisconsin,  with his grandmother Cora Traff Thompson and his grandfather Clarence Thompson.

He worked as an auto mechanic in Columbus, Wisconsin and as an air conditioning repairman in Arizona. After moving to Texas, he was employed as a machine mechanic at Mt. Vernon Textile Plant in Brenham until the plant closed. He was also employed with the City of Somerville.

Thompson was also a part-time employee at Strickland Funeral Home in Somerville and volunteered at the Somerville and Caldwell Senior Citizens Centers.

He was a member of the Somerville Historical Society and Museum, the American Legion post in Somerville and of the Friendship Baptist Church.

He was also a Master Mason in Warren Lodge No. 56 in Caldwell and in the Lee Scott Masonic Lodge in Somerville. In 2010-11, he served as Worshipful Master of the Lee Scott Lodge. He was also a member of the Caldwell Chapter No. 976 of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Somerville Chapter No. 245 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Thompson enjoyed dominoes, dancing and friendly conversation. He was remembered as an active, loyal member of any organization he was involved with. He was beloved by all who knew him and will be forever missed by his special friend and companion Rosette Pulis.

He is survived by his second wife Josephine Thompson, daughter Cindy Venetis; grandson, Kirby Venetis; granddaughter Renee Hartwick and husband Tim Hartwick; great-grandchildren, Mason and Mayle Hartwick; sisters Tammy and Sherry; and great aunt Harriet Bryan of Montana, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents; first wife Patricia York Thompson and their son Wayde Richard Thompson and by his sister, Patty.