Gary Leon Thompson (68) of Flint, Michigan went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Providence Health Center of Waco, Texas, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on November 8, 2014. Gary and his wife were visiting their children in Texas at the time. Cremation, arranged by Lake Shore Funeral Home, has taken place. He will receive Military Honors and be laid to rest at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, located at 11463 Texas 195, Killeen, Texas on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 3:00p.m.
Gary was born in Flint, Michigan on December 28, 1945, to the late Leon Victor Thompson and the late Geraldine (Kennedy) Brockway. He grew up mostly in Swartz Creek, Michigan. In 1966, Gary proudly served our country as a Marine serving until 1969, earning the rank of Corporal while serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge.
Gary married Sherry Lee Latham of Elsie, MI on May 27, 1972. They were soul mates and he was the love of her life. They resided in Flint for the last 42 years. They have two children, Matthew Gary (Lauren) Thompson of Waco, Texas and Melissa Beth Thompson also of Waco, Texas. Gary became “Papa” when Matthew and Lauren blessed them with 4 grandchildren, Caedmon Matthew (6), Camille Jean (4), Camry Ann (2) and Cayla Beth (1).
After returning from Vietnam, Gary worked with his step-father, the late Leo Brockway, of Swartz Creek, MI for Brockway Excavating. In 1983, Gary became a Car Hauler for Complete Auto Transit/Ryder (later known as Allied Automotive Group) for 25 years, retiring in 2008. Gary was gentle giant and a wonderful family man who enjoyed being with all the kids who graced the family home throughout the years. He was a faithful, loving husband and father who cherished his family, making it a point to always be home for school functions, ball games, dance and piano recitals, birthdays and holidays. Gary never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He was a man of deep faith who had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and lived his life as such. He was an active member of New Life Christian Fellowship in Grand Blanc, MI pastored by Bob Roberts.
Gary will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and “other children and grandchildren” grafted into their family, those who held a special place in Gary’s heart: “daughter” Hilda Abueita and “grandson” Daniel (who affectionately called Gary “Sydo”, an Arabic word for grandfather); “daughter” Nikki Kohn and “grandson” Dominic; “sons” Nathan Kohn and Preston Kohn; and “daughter” Angel Ellis. He is also survived by his step-mother Georgia Thompson; sisters Linda Thompson, Diane Banghart, Dawn (Dave) Heeg, Vickie Wilbur, Laurie (Mark) Ames, Lisa Kratt, Missy Britton; brothers Randy Thompson and John Thompson; much loved cousins, Ken and Lynnette Higgins; precious friends Pastors Dennis and Joy Fox, Dave and Ravena Liddell, and Denise Reinwasser, along with many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, and siblings Rodney Brockway, Bruce Thompson, Tracey Thompson, and Cindy Thompson.
A Memorial Celebration honoring Gary will take place in Waco with Texas family and friends at the home of Joe and Maria Gingerich. Gary’s wife and children will travel to Michigan where family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Gary’s Life at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at New Life Christian Fellowship located at 2237 E. Reid Rd., Grand Blanc, MI 48539 officiated by Pastor Bob Roberts. A luncheon will follow the Memorial Celebration.
Gary had a heart for missions and believed deeply in the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world to unreached people groups. Sherry has requested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gary with a memorial gift, may give to New Life Christian Fellowship (http://nlcfgb.com/missions) designated for “Missions in Memory of Gary Thompson” or to Antioch Ministries International (AMI), 520 N. 20th Street, Waco, Texas 76707 designated for “M & L Thompson” in Memory of Gary Thompson. Matthew and Lauren served 5 years on the mission field in a sensitive country and, in a few months, will be returning to another sensitive country to serve long term. (https://aminternational.thankyou4caring.org/ami/giving/staff)
The family would like to thank the staff at Providence Health Center (you know who you are) for loving on Gary while he was in your care. We also thank Becky, LMSW with Providence Hospice, who assisted with end of life decisions and had the American flag to drape Gary’s body as he departed the hospital. We express our love and appreciation to Joe Gingerich who loved on Gary and the family in a pastoral role. We give a heartfelt thank you to Antioch Community Church and New Life Christian Fellowship for the love and support given to the Thompson Family. You literally stood with us as the Body of Christ filling the gap with prayer, being ever present with us. The legacy of Gary’s life remains very evident in the stories and posts received on the “Praying for Gary Thompson” Facebook page that chronicles the family journey of faith, love, and hope. The Lord God is Faithful. We will rest in the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you and blessings to all.
The Thompson Family
Sherry, Matthew, Lauren, Melissa,
Caedmon, Camille, Camry, and Cayla Beth
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Our prayers are with all of you. We enjoyed getting to know all the Thompsons at VCA. Every time we were in your home, Gary and the family treated us with great warmth and hospitality. Our sincere sympathy in this loss. We praise God he is in Jesus’ arms.
John and Karen Kennamer
How I will miss Gary. His big hugs and opinions on everything! Hehe! I miss his debates with my late husband. While they may not have had the same viewpoints on some subjects, the conversation always ended with brotherly love. I celebrate his “promotion”, but am saddened by everyones’ loss here. My heart goes out to Sherry, knowing all too well the kind of loss she has experienced. I pray that God will use me to support and lift her up and she has done for me. Love to all the family. God is faithful.
I will continue to pray for your family.
Gary was a true servant as he emulated his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My prayers are with all of you as you transition through this temporary separation. May God’s peace and comfort rest on each of you. Know that you are deeply loved.
My sincere condolences to the Thompson family. I am sure Rosemary was part of Gary’s welcoming committee in heaven. Lord bless you guys!
There is a celebration in heaven, and the earth has lost some of it’s light.
Sherry , I would like to convey condolences from your family in Arizona. I remember meeting Gary at Grandma Lee’s house many years ago shortly after the two of you were married. He was a very nice man and I wish we had lived closer so I could have gotten to know him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It hasn’t been that long since I lost my husband so I know what it is like to lose your soulmate. My heart goes out to all of you. With lots of love and prayers, Cousin Cathi
Sherry my thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Very grateful that Gary is being buried at Fort Hood, TX (Killeen) which is my first duty station in the USA while serving in the United States Army. He and I use to tell “war stories” although his were better since he served in Vietnam and I have been largely in peacekeeping roles even to this day after serving 19 years in the Army!
Gary is a good man, father, husband to his wife, and a veteran of a horrific war in honorable service to this nation and the people of Vietnam.
Semper Fi and go rest high upon that mountain of honor!
To the family of Gary Thompson, I just want to let the family know Gary was my neighbor growing up. I’m sadden to hear this. I have wonderful memories of the Brockway and Thompson family….. May God guide you at this time… Gary rest peaceful my friend.. Sherry Myers Maitland
My heart breaks for you. I love you Sherry. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God is faithful.
My heart goes out to you during this time of morning . Uncle Gary and I always gravitated towards each other at family events. I will miss our talks, I will miss his comforting voice, I will miss his smile. We always think we have more time to spend with someone then we really do. Until we meet again my God hold him in the palm of his hand. To him we belong and to him we return.
Thank you for choosing the picture here, his smile was one of the best. Sending love and blessings to you all in Texas.
Dear Sherry and Family – Our hearts grieve at the loss of Gary. He was a devoted Christian husband, father, Papa and friend – and much loved by his Christian family. We believe that Jesus wept – but also that the arms of Jesus were opened wide to welcome Gary home. May God bring the peaces that passes all understanding to you during this most difficult journey and Praise God for the Hope that one day you will See Gary again! Blessings and prayers – Richard and Gail Scott – New Life Christian Fellowship
We are SO sorry for your loss and pray that God will give you LOTS of comfort and encouragement as you walk through this difficult time. We didn’t really know him but are close friends with Dawn and Dave.
I did not personally know Mr. Thompson, but I do work with his daughter, Melissa. I know that the tribute written about his life is spot on through the way I see Melissa live her life daily. Perhaps, that is the best tribute. I personally know the days to come will be tough, but take solice in the fact that Mr. Thompson is sitting at the right hand of God without any flaws of this World. May the peace of God continue to fill your home.
Stephen, Julie, Nissa and Brynn Simcik
Dear Sherry and family, my heart goes out to all of you. I know what a great man gary was and he will be dearly missed. I wish i could be with you to give you hugs!!! Love, Mary Beth
A fine man taken from us way to early, our thoughts and prayers in your time of loss. With our family’s love Ray & Jane Latham.
A true Father indeed heaven is definitely rejoicing to recieve such a great servant. So many fun-filled and loving memories!! Love all of you my God give you strength in this time of sorrow. RIH MR THOMPSON!
Hi Sherry, your family shared your inner most feelings for Gary over the last 10 days that without knowing it, you have become an inspiration to others. Sharing, Strengthening and Showing Christ to everyone on Facebook during this tragic event has opened many hearts and souls to Christ. I think that I only met Gary once a long time ago, but your words on his deeds and interactions within your family(s) has truly moved me. My heart and love will always be gently beside your family forever.
He was a great guy for sure. He had a wonderful life and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Sherry, Matthew, and Melissa. Julie and I are heart broken for your loss of Gary here on this earth. But we celebrate inside knowing where he is right now..!!!! As we all long to be with the( love of our life’s) at our true home with Jesus, the lover of our soul. Our family will continue to pray for healing and peace for you all, and donate to the ministry’s that Gary loved. Love you guys
Sherry, Mathew and Melissa,
How very sorry I was to hear of Gary’s passing. I was out of the country and did not hear about it until the week after so I’m hope this is not too late too send my condolences. Gary stayed the course throughout his Christian life he kept his eye on the goal every believer should strive for. How proud I am of him.
Blessings to you all at this difficult time. Mary Margret Latham Hirsch