Walter D. Thompson Jr.

Walter Durward Thompson Jr. was born September 28, 1936 in LaGrange Georgia, and died Sunday November 19, 2017 in Denver, CO. He was the son of Walter Durward and Lilia Pearl Thompson. He was married to Barbara Rowland Thompson of Haydock, England.

Walt lived a full and active life. His first career was in the military proudly serving in the Air Force. He served two tours in England, one in the Philippines, and one in Vietnam. He also spent time stationed in Texas, California, Alabama, and Michigan. His first tour to England would forever change his course in life. That is where he met Barbara, the love of his life. Walt always said he, "knew that girl would be his wife," and, of course, he never let up until she gave in. During his service years, they would become a family of 4, welcoming their daughter Debra in England, and Adele in San Antonio, TX. After celebrating 60 years of marriage earlier this year, it seems as though his hunch to pursue that girl was right.

Walt retired from the service in 1973. From there he went on to own his own automotive repair garage, and later landed a second career at the US Postal Service where he would work until his second retirement. Although he retired, he never quit work entirely. He still worked as a delivery driver for a company in Denver at the young age of 81 when he passed away.

His hobbies included bowling, golfing, and watching professional baseball. While he only got close to the perfect 300 game in bowling, he did get his hole in one in golf! Almost everyone who knew him, knew his love for classic country music, his favorite artist was Jim Reeves. He never met a strong cup of black coffee that he didn't love, and he was never late for a good breakfast; his favorite meal of the day.

With his kind and welcoming demeanor, Walt knew no stranger, and quickly made friends with everyone he met. He was a family man who embraced the love of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything. He consistently made the effort to be present and connected to those in his life. Fondly referred to as Grandad, he looked forward to his weekly outings with the grandkids and great-grandkids to the bowling alley or golf course. He always had a word of advice and time to help when someone was in need.

The impression he made on so many people's lives will not soon fade. He was deeply loved and will be honored and missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, 2 daughters Debra Reuppel (husband Don), Adele Waits, 6 grandchildren Matthew Calkins (fiancé Natasha), Justin Burns, Lauren Dorman (husband Chris), Eric Burns, Marissa Zahn, Kristin Waits, 11 great-grandchildren and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Virginia Horne.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517,Topeka, Kansas 66675.

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