SFC (RET) Clarence Ray Thompson, 92, of Junction City, Kansas passed away on August 4, 2024, at Via Christi Village, Manhattan, Kansas. Ray was born on August 12, 1931, to Clarence H. Thompson and Edna (West) Thompson at Montezuma, Indiana. There he graduated from Frankfurt High School. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army on January 10, 1949, at Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky. He served in Berlin, Korea, and Vietnam. While in the military, he attended the University of Michigan for two years. He retired from the military on February 28, 1980 at Fort Riley, Kansas after 24 years of active military service.
Ray worked civil service for 13 years in the housing office on Fort Riley as an inspector. He also volunteered at the Irwin Army Community Hospital as the liaison for the American Red Cross, Fort Riley for 22 years. He was a member of NARFE, DAV, VVA, VFW, American Legion, Union Lodge #7 in Junction City, 40/8, Isis Shrine of Junction City/Salina, Fort Riley Shrine Club of J.C. Mini Wheels Classic Car, and The Open Door.
Ray earned many awards during his lifetime. Some of these awards include three times Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Award (One time from General Hamm), Red Cross 2016: Tribute to Hero's Lifetime Achievement Award, Commanders Award for Outstanding Public Service 2008, Multiple awards from the Red Cross and 1st IN DIV, and in 2022, The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ray is survived by two daughters, Lori Dodd and Kim Holton of Jacksonville, Florida; one son, Steven Thompson; one brother, Paul Thompson of Surprise, Arizona; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews; Debbi and Jack Freeman of Junction City, Kansas and their girls who remained Ray's friend throughout his years living in Junction City. He is preceded by his loving parents; four brothers, Harold, Charles, Jimmy, and Chuck Thompson; one sister, Thelma Blizzard; one son, Mark Thompson; one grandson, Bobby Dodd and his loving wife, Margaret Fisher.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the Shriners Children's Hospital St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.