Raymond Wilbur Thompson

Raymond Thompson, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, and confidant to many, died March 16, 2009.

He was born May 20, 1924 in Troy, Missouri to parents Raymond Thompson and Thelma Edwards. At a young age, he moved with his parents to Springfield, Illinois. At age 17, he joined the Army and served his beloved country during World War II as Military Police, stationed in Germany and France. At the end of WWII, he was honorably discharged. Subsequent to his serving our beloved country, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth, and they moved to Pasadena, California, where he successfully attended Pasadena City College with a degree in printing.

Soon after his graduation from college, he joined the workforce with the City of Pasadena as a master technician for forty years.

After discovering the beauty of Sedona and its wonderful people, he moved on October 1st, 1988. He never regretted his relocation. As if 40 years of working was not enough, he worked part time at ACE Hardware and subsequently part time at the mall.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years; his three children Ramona, Raymond, and Kathy; five grandchildren Nicole, Jennah, Elizabeth, Lena, and Kassahun; his great grandson Xavier; his daughter-in-law Lydia; his son-in-law Asaye; his nephew and niece Robert and Heidi; numerous friends of many years; and his dog Precious "The Wonder Dog."

Please remember: He was and will always remain to be the one whose life experience we should reflect and emulate in everything we do; and live life as he did - always loving, welcoming, caring, and saw the best in all of us even during our worst of moments.

A memorial service is being held at the Village of Oak Creek Church of the Nazarene, 55 Rojo Road, Sedona, Arizona 86351; led by Pastor Jim Cunningham.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church, which in turn will be donated to Sun Valley Indian School in memory of Raymond Thompson.