Robert Eugene “Gene” Thompson was born to Henry Earl Thompson and Alma (Istas) Thompson on March 5, 1933 near Clifton, Kansas and passed away July 5, 2023 at the Sunset Home in Concordia. He was a 1952 graduate of Clay Center High School. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Suzanne Regnier on January 9, 1955, a loving relationship that would last almost 63 years. Following their honeymoon, Gene received his draft notice and served in the United States Army for four years.
Gene grew up on the farm and learned a strong work ethic which he would exemplify throughout his life. He was gifted mechanically and especially enjoyed welding and wood working. Gene and Suzanne had great hearts for their six children and over 20 foster children who found a loving home with them over the years. He was faithful in his commitment to Christ and involvement in His church, including being a member of the Wesleyan Church in Clay Center for 50 years. He worked for the Farmer’s Union Coop, retiring in 1998 after 35 years of faithful service to farmers in the Clay Center area. Suzanne passed away on January 5, 2018.
On June 18, 2022 Gene married Joan Palmer and they made a warm and loving home in Miltonvale where they attended the Bible Methodist Church.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Suzanne, son-in-law Dennis Nix, a grandson and a step-grandson. He is survived by his sisters, Arlene Credeur (New Orleans, LA) and Lois (Gary) Nutter, (Concordia) his wife, Joan of the home, and his children: son David and wife Joyce (Manhattan), daughter Peggy Sue Nix (Dewey, OK), son Paul and wife Cory (Thornton, CO), son Walter and wife Rachel (Highlands Ranch, CO), son Rodney and wife Karen (Salina), and daughter Vanessa Thomas (Lawrence), and stepsons Vernon (Cathy) Palmer (Miltonvale) and Kevin (Darnell) Palmer (Concordia), and numerous grandchildren, several step-grand, great-grand and step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM Friday, July 14, 2023, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Bible Methodist Church in Miltonvale.
The live stream for the service will start shortly before 10:00AM at this link.
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International or Miltonvale Bible Methodist Church and sent c/o the funeral home.