Jack O. Thompson, 81, of Baker City died Aug. 10, 2008, at home with his faithful dog Dutch at his feet.
At his request, there will be no funeral service. Interment will take place at the Milton-Freewater Cemetery in Milton-Freewater.
Mr. Thompson, the youngest son of Bress Thompson and Annie Bowyer Thompson, was born Sept. 12, 1926, in Wallowa. He graduated from McLoughlin Union High School in Milton-Freewater in 1944. He served proudly in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps during the late 1940s and 1950s. He was stationed in California and in Asia.
He also served in the Oregon State Patrol. After transitioning to civilian life, his work as a chief purchasing agent for a worldwide construction company allowed him to travel to the Middle East and both Central and South America. His work also took him to Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and West Virginia, where he shared great times with members of his mother’s family.
Mr. Thompson loved the outdoors and his dogs. Upon his retirement and move to Milton-Freewater, he spent time exploring the Blue Mountains with his dog Rip. Mr. Thompson eventually settled in Baker City and enjoyed countless hikes with his dog Rowdy and later, Dutch, exploring the local countryside.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his sister, Hazel Thompson Greenwood of Bellingham, Wash., and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sisters Edith “Teenie” Thompson, Mabel Knosp, Lois Wilson, and Lida Harrington, and brothers Herb Thompson, Eb Thompson, Richard Thompson, and Lon Thompson.
Memorial contributions can be made to Best Friends of Baker pet rescue in care of Gray’s West & Company Pioneer Chapel 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, August 13, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor