MEADE – LeRoy Thompson, age 91, died Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2009, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

He was born May 5, 1918, at Prescott, Arkansas, the son of Gus and Pearl (Frizzell) Thompson. As a young boy he attended school in Prescott while also working as a farmer. He was later drafted into the United States Army, serving during World War II. After his discharge, he moved to California, receiving his training as a welder through the local union. During his welding career he traveled to many locations throughout the world, including having worked in South Africa and on the Alaskan Pipeline.

While in Arkansas, LeRoy was a member of the United Methodist Church, upon moving to Meade, he attended the Church of the Nazarene; a member of the Southern California Pipe Trade; the Veteran's of Foreign Wars; and enjoyed dancing, playing his guitar, listening to gospel and country music, and spending time with family and friends.

On May 4, 1986, he married Inez I. "Peggy" Tacha at Texarkana, Arkansas. She survives.

Other survivors include:
A son, LeRoy Thompson, Jr. and wife, Cathy of Coosbay, Oregon

Two stepdaughters, Brenda Graham and husband, Alan of Liberal, Kansas
Jeanie Witchey and husband, Gene of Laverne, Oklahoma

Two grandchildren Five step-grandchildren Three great-grandchildren
Five step-great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; a sister; and a grandson.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 at Graceland Cemetery, Meade, Kansas, with the Reverend Ron Willard presiding. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Wednesday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion.

The family would welcome memorials to the Church of the Nazarene or the Relay for Life in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com