Herbert L. Thompson

Herbert L. “Herb” Thompson, 84, of Topeka, died September 24, 2010 at Midland Hospice House.

He was born on February 28, 1926 at Arkansas City, Kansas the son of Charles L. and Gertrude G. (DeHate) Thompson.  He graduated from Arkansas City High School in May of 1943 and joined the U.S. Navy in July of 1943.  He received training in aircraft radio and radar and was assigned to the U.S.S. Cabot aircraft carrier early in 1945.  While aboard his ship he participated in the initial Okinawa Invasion followed by aircraft raids on Japan.  His ship returned to the U.S. in May of 1945.  After assignment to various facilities in San Diego, CA he was honorably discharged in May of 1946. 

He returned to Arkansas City and attended Arkansas City Junior College (now Cowley County Junior College).  He then attended Kansas State Agriculture College (now Kansas State University) graduating in 1951 with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering.  Upon graduating he began working at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.  His career with them covered working in the Plant Maintenance, Engineering and Marketing Departments.  He retired from SWB in May of 1984 after 33 plus years.  While employed at SWB he was loaned for 2 ½ years to Western Electric Company, the prime contractor for the ground tracking network for NASA’s first man in space, PROJECT MERCURY.

Herb enjoyed fishing, dancing, traveling, going on cruises, and was an avid K-State fan. 

He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Telecom Pioneers, Golden Rule Lodge #90 of the Arab Shrine, U.S.S. Cabot Assn., K-State Alumni Assn., Cowley County Jr. College Alumni Assn. and Philip Billard Post #1650 of the V.F.W.

Herb married Elizabeth L. “Betty” Jenson in 1951 and to their union four children were born:  Bohdan L. (Diane), Mark L. (Avril), Melvin L. (Candy), and Rebecca L. Bixel (Charles).  Betty passed away on December 18, 1995 after 44 years of marriage.  He married Virginia (Jinny) Amyx formerly of Lawrence on September 1, 2000.  She survives of the home.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren, a step-daughter Melanie Amyx Turner (Joseph) and a step son Robert “Bob” Amyx (Becky), several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, two sisters, Crystal Billig and Carol Bridges.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Oneida Martin.

Herb will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Monday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors conducted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the V.F.W.

Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or the Shriner’s Hospital Travel Fund and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.