William Benjamin "Ben" Thompson, Sr., 79, was born in Houston, Texas, Nov. 3, 1922, to James Monroe Thompson and Sarah Frances Thompson, and went to be with his Lord Jesus on March 2, 2002.
Ben grew up in Houston and Slocum. He played basketball for Palestine High School. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the China-Burma-India Theater. Upon his return to Texas, he was employed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad, where his father was an engineer. He then attended Texas A&M, graduating with an accounting degree in 1952. Ben was employed by Humble Oil and Refining Company (Exxon), and retired after 31 years of dedicated service. He was a 50 year member of Park Place Masonic Lodge No. 1172. Ben loved sports, railroading, military history and music. He was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Ben will be remembered by all for his love of God and family; his kindness to all; his concern for others; his loyalty to friends; his joy in life; and his courage and dignity in dealing with Parkinson’s Disease. Our thanks to the caring staff at Golden Age Manor and Spring Branch Medical Center.
Ben is survived by Thalia Brewer Thompson, his loving wife of 36 years; children, William B. Thompson, Jr. and wife, Mary Margaret, of Conroe, TX, Lynne Petty and husband, Steve Petty, of Marion, NC, and Rene’ Ann Harris of El Paso, TX; grandchildren, Anne-Marie Thompson and William B. Thompson III of Conroe, TX, and Craig Petty of Marion, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Zona Rich Thompson; brother, James M. Thompson, Jr.; and sisters, Bonnie Brown and Marie Killion.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, March 5 at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2525 Gessner, Houston, TX 77080 (713) 462-5448.
Remembrances may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136-1494 (www.parkinson.org).
(This was published in the Houston Chronicle and the Conroe Courier)