Thompson, Elby Adair (1933-2004)

THOMPSON, GARRISON, MACKEY, GIFFORD, WHITE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/8/2023 at 15:56:01

Daily Freeman Journal
Webster City, Iowa
Thursday, May 20, 2004

Elby Adair Thompson was born June 15, 1933 at Thermopolis, Wyo., the son of Leonard Bishop Thompson and Agnes (Garrison) Thompson, and passed on April 17, 2004 at Tucson, Ariz.

Because his parents died while he was young, he was raised by his older sister, Beulah. After moving to Iowa, Elby married JoAnn Mackey on May 10, 1951 at Marshalltown. They made their home in Webster City where they raised three children. Elby worked as a bread delivery driver and later owned and operated two successful businesses, J & E Construction along with Jack Pelz and Two Way Communications Radio Shop. He and JoAnn later divorced.

Elby moved to Fairplay, Colo. where he operated another business, Fairplay Excavating Co.

In 1984, he and his wife Diana, moved to Tucson, Ariz. where they opened WAGS Restaurant, a very popular sandwich shop they operated until Elby's retirement. Elby didn't stop working, he just went in other directions, including working as a part time backhoe operator, a job he dearly loved. He enjoyed working on his computer and playing golf with good friend Tom and son Frank. He was a happy fun loving man with an infectious smile who loved laughter and life. He not only took challenges in stride, but often welcomed them. He made many friends and was appreciated and respected for his great sense of fairness and honesty and his genuine love for people.

Elby passed from this world on April 17, 2004 at Tucson where a memorial service was held Sunday, April 25, 2004. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wendell in World War II. He is survived by his wife, Diana of Tucson; his children, Frank (Cheri) Thompson of Tucson, Helen Thompson of Webster City; Terry (Debbie) Thompson of Enterprise, Kan.; three sisters, June of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; Janeta Gifford of Center Point, Iowa and Beulah White of Omaha, Neb.; three grandchildren, Cory Thompson of Tucson, Mike Thompson of Houston, Texas and EaJae Thompson of Tucson; numerous nieces and nephews.