Mearl Henry Thompson - born May 6, 1928 went to be with the Lord on August 19, 2021. He was born to Albert and Artie Thompson of Gainesville Missouri, lived most of his early childhood there and later in Washington State. He joined the U.S. Merchant Marines at the early age of seventeen during WWII and traveled the South Pacific, Mediterranean and Atlantic experiencing sites most people would never have an opportunity to witness. After his service in the military he moved to Lockeford, CA where he met Alta Mae Sand. They quickly fell in love and married on July 17, 1948 and established a home in Ripon where they lived for many years and raised their family. In their later years, Mearl and Alta Mae moved to Modesto where they lived until their passing.
Mearl spent his career working in heavy construction, early on working for Teichert Construction then establishing his own business “Thompson Excavating”. In his later years he enjoyed spending his time at his property in Jamestown “Majestic Oaks”, visiting with his friends at the Sunshine Donut Shop or working in his yard in Modesto or his ranch in Ripon.
Mearl was a man of faith and knew his life was a gift and a blessing from God. He loved the Lord with all his heart and taught his family by example to do the same. He was an honest man and a man of his word who was well respected by those who knew him. We know that he is resting in Gods arms now, no longer in pain or weary from age.
Mearl is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Artie Thompson: his wife of 64 years Alta Mae; his sister Jean Schmidt; his two son-in-laws Jacob Kamper and Bob Schemper.
Mearl and Alta Mae were blessed with five surviving children; Sheryl (Robert) Van Groningen; Judy (Jake) Kamper Oosterman; Karen Schemper; Tina (Marty) Van Houten; Steve (Sheila) Thompson. Thirteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren and friend Linda Middleton
Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Thompson Family. A graveside service will be held on Friday August 27, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Ripon Cemetery 320 N. Stockton Avenue, Ripon with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am at First Christian Reformed Church 305 Boesch Drive, Ripon. Donations may be made to: Community Hospice; American Cancer Society or Charity of your choice