Kenneth Thompson

Kenneth Everett Thompson, Jr. passed away on December 27, 2013, in the home he shared with his wife of 60 years, Marian Martha Thompson, nee Kimmel. Ken was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and was renowned for his generosity of spirit, his philanthropic and civic activities, and his quick, imaginative and clever sense of humor. Marian, their children and families, and their friends come together now to remember and celebrate with love, respect, pride and admiration, a life well lived.

Ken was born in Picher, Oklahoma on April 12, 1935, but was reared in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Albuquerque, New Mexico. At sixteen, Ken played the position of goalie for the Highland High School Ice Hockey Team, as well as for many of the mens Ice Hockey teams in Albuquerque. Kens was familiar face in the sports pages of the Albuquerque Journal and Tribune in the early 1950s.

In 1953 Ken married Marian Martha Kimmel and they began their family the following year. Ken was a Sales Manager for The American Linen Supply Company and a popular coach in the youth ice hockey program. In 1975, Ken built, and was the General Manager of, the new American Linen Supply facility in Roswell. During Kens tenure at American Linen, he and Marian became active, wellknown and respected members of the community, participating in many social as well as civic events.

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Ken was an active member of The Roswell Rotary Club, The Chamber of Commerce and the Sertoma Club, of which he was elected President. Ken participated in and raised substantial funds for a number of other charitable organizations, particularly groups that benefitted children. Over the years, Ken has donated his handmade wooden toys to various organizations such as Toys for Tots, to be distributed as Christmas gifts.

In the late 1980s, Ken was President of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce. Among many other activities that helped to breathe new life into Roswells economy, Ken drove the Main Street Roswell Project and initiated Roswells Annual Christmas Parades. Ken, Bobby Villegas and Eunice Dickey produced the Chambers Rise with Roswell breakfasts during Kens tenure as President. Ken was a true raconteur and during the time he was Master of Ceremonies for the Rise with Roswell breakfasts, the breakfast meetings were so entertaining, attendance rose to standing room only. In addition to Kens participation in many civic and professional organizations, he was an unflagging support to Marian, who throughout her banking career was involved in many philanthropic clubs and projects of her own.

After Ken retired, he devoted his time to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his many and varied interests. Ken was a talented woodworker, photographer, gardener, and a superb chef. He was actively involved in his great grandchildrens lives, frequently attending their sports, school and dancing activities. A great many family members were present when Ken and Marian commemorated their 60th wedding anniversary last summer at the home of their grandson and his wife, Andrew and Lisa Richards.

Ken is much loved and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Marian Martha Thompson, his brother, Dennis Thompson, his four children and their spouses Steven and Cathy Thompson, Rick and Laura Thompson, Kim and Rocky Dennis and Melissa and Russ Doss, Kens grandchildren Shannon Michelle Thompson and Gary Griffin, Sara, Tyler and Rachel Thompson, Becca and Kellan Woods, Mary Elizabeth Flores, Joshua Baker and Joey Dennis, Andrew, Adam and AJ Richards and Aimee Mooney. In addition to his grandchildren, Ken is survived also by his nine greatgrandchildren, all of whom adored their Boompa.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Grace Community Churchs Youth Ministries, 935 Mescalero Road, Roswell, NM 88201.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm, Thursday, January 2, 2014, at Grace Community Church, 935 Mescalero Road, Roswell, NM with Pastor Rick Hale officiating. Marian and her family hope that those who would like to will stop by the house after the services. Those who wish to may visit Ballard Funeral Home where members of the family will be with Ken on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, from 2 pm until 7 pm.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
12:00 to 7:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Grace Community ChurchH
935 W. Mescalero
Roswell, NM  88201
Thursday, January 2, 2014
2:00 pm

Memorial Contributions

935 W. Mescalero
Roswell, NM  88201