Larry R. Thompson passed away on January 25, 2024 in Paducah, Kentucky. Born to Terry R. and Ada Rose Thompson on April 29, 1939 at Riverside Hospital in Paducah, Larry always felt his home to be in Paducah, and the surrounding area.
Larry was a graduate of Ballard Memorial high School in 1957. He joined the Air Force shortly thereafter and became a member of the Strategic Air Command as an aircraft electrician. Serving during the Vietnam War Era, Larry’s service required extensive travel to various USAF bases and most commonly to the Pacific region. He took great pleasure in telling others about the birth of his children taking place on Air Force bases and would become emotional when doing so.
After leaving the USAF, Larry expanded the skills he had learned as an aircraft electrician. He attended the University of Kentucky earning BS and MS degrees in electricial engineering. He was employed as a process controls engineer in petrochemical plants in the mid-west, Houston, TX and Calvert City, KY
Larry had a broad array of interests. He enjoyed tinkering with old farm machinery, beekeeping, woodworking, backyard chickens and old tools. His analytical and competitive nature allowed him to achieve a duplicate bridge Silver Life Master’s certification. In later years Larry’s favorite times were spent with is wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He specially enjoyed having them in his home for celebration of birthdays and holidays.
Surviving Larry is his wife of 61 years, Betty; son, Randall Thompson (Stacia); daughter, Ann Bennington (Doug) grandsons, Calvin Thompson, Kyle Bennington, Ethan Thompson; granddaughters, Maddy Thompson Megan Bennington, Sarah Bennington; brothers, Cary Thompson (Sharla) of West Paducah and Greg Thompson (Kathy) of Morristown, TN; sister, Nancy Owen (Ted) of South Fulton, TN; several nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Terry R. Thompson and Ada Rose Newport Thompson; one sister, Melinda Ann Thompson Breedan
Services will be held at the Milner & Orr Funeral of Paducah, at 1:00 p.m. Monday January 29, 2024 with Revs. Jonathan Althoff and Brian Nance officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until service hour of 1:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home Of Paducah.
Expression of sympathy may be made to Ballard Memorial High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund, attention of Jennifer Head, 11 Vocational School Drive, Barlow, KY 42024 or to Palestine United Methodist Church Sign, Jack Mansfield 11630 Old Hinkleville Road, Kevil, Ky 42053.