Raymond Tompkins, 17 July 1920 - 11 Mar 2007

TOMPKINS, RUTLEDGE, MCCONNELL

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 3/12/2007 at 19:45:45

Raymond M. Tompkins, age 86, died Sunday, March 11, 2007 at his home following an extended illness. Private Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 with Military Honors conducted by Marengo American Legion Post #76. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to the Marengo Memorial Hospital or the charity of the donor’s choice. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is in charge of arrangements.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen; a son Martin D. Tompkins of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Maeleen V. Thorius and husband Jerry of Albuquerque, NM, four grandchildren, Doug Tompkins and wife Karen of Vancouver, WA, Deborah Tompkins of Cedar Rapids, Lara Marsh and husband Andrew of Iowa City and John Thorius of Tempe, AZ; and five great grandchildren, Zachary Tompkins, Peter Tompkins, Alexandra Marsh, Rachel Marsh and Michael Monroe. In addition he is survived by a sister-in-law, Marcia Tompkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Richard, Rex and William, a daughter-in-law, Judy Tompkins and a grandson Michael Tompkins.

Raymond Maurice Tompkins was born July 17, 1920 in Weldon, Iowa, the son of William George Tompkins and Cora V. Rutledge Tompkins. He graduated from Van Wert High School in 1939 and married Helen E. McConnell on February 13, 1941 in Bethany, MO. Raymond served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1939 to 1946, during World War II. He was captured in the fall of Wake Island and held prisoner for 3 years and 9 months working in the coal mines of Japan.

Upon returning from the Marines, Raymond was elected Decatur County Treasurer, serving for 4 years. He joined the firm of Rowat and Murray Engineering and later served several county engineering departments, including Benton County and lastly Iowa County, retiring from there. Raymond enjoyed golfing, fishing, geneology and the computer. He especially enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Marengo American Legion Post #76, the American Ex-Prisoner of War, the Disabled Veterans, and First Presbyterian Church, Marengo.

Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo
Cedar Rapids Gazette, 12 Mar 07, 7B