THOMPSON, Clarence G. (1937-2017)

THOMPSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/31/2017 at 23:46:34

Clarence Gene Thompson
(July 21, 1937 - January 15, 2017)

Clarence "Gene" Thompson, age 79, died peacefully on January 15, 2017, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Karma; daughters, Pamela Bartlett (Rex) of Ankeny, IA and Joyce Bone (Ralph) of Prior Lake, MN; son, Curtis Thompson (Lori) of Nashville, TN; five grandchildren whom he adored, Collin Bone (Allison) of Medford, OR, Kyle Bone of Davis, CA, Lauren Bartlett of Cedar Falls, Christian and Brennen Thompson, both of Nashville; brothers, Larry Thompson (Karen) of Pleasantville and Russell Thompson (Joy) of Iowa City. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Viola Thompson and his sister Carolyn King.
Gene was born July 21, 1937, in Des Moines, IA, the eldest child of 4 born to Clarence and Viola Thompson of Hartford, IA. Gene was a graduate of Hartford High School and Grandview College. In 1954, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and later was inducted into the United States Navy, where he proudly served as Commander of Operations Yeoman and Assistant to the Naval Pastor aboard Destroyer U.S.S. Rhodes until his duties were fulfilled in 1962 and he was honorably discharged. Gene continued to give of himself through dedicated service to his church community, American Legion, Kiwanis, Jaycees and Boy Scouts of America. What remained his greatest joy, however, were his 59 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Karma and their 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He would proudly share details of their lives to anyone who happened to inquire.
Gene enjoyed fishing and gardening, grew prized tomatoes, and baked award winning pies! He was passionate about sports of all kinds, but baseball most of all. He spent many years coaching his children's softball/baseball teams, volunteering and umpiring. He has touched many through his love for the game.
Gene was a kind and generous soul who planted seeds of kindness wherever his path led. These seeds have blossomed into beautiful blooms that now grow in the hearts of his wife, his children and grandchildren, and countless others he's touched along the way.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 1:30 p.m. with reception following until 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 28 at Overton Funeral Home, 501 W Ashland Ave, Indianola IA. All are welcome to join us in celebrating this kind and wonderful man we call Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Coach, and Servant of God!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mercy Hospice, Johnston, IA 50131.
The family wishes to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to the following for their loving kindness and care: Mercy Hospital 7th and 9th floor nurses, Mercy Hospice of Johnston, Iowa Heart and Nephrology staff, Iowa Heart Failure Team, The Staff at Edencrest Assisted Living Community in Des Moines and the love and support of countless others along the way. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, [http://www.overtonfuneral.com/