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Colonel Robert Thompson
In Memory of
Colonel Robert Harold "Bob"
Thompson
1943 - 2017
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Evergreen Funeral Home
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Obituary for Colonel Robert Harold "Bob" Thompson

Robert Harold “Bob” Thompson, 74, Fort Myers, FL., formerly of Colorado Springs, CO, died Monday, Aug. 21, after a courageous ten-month battle against Multiple Myeloma cancer.
He was born in Altoona, PA, son of the late Robert C. and Mary Belle (Kreps) Thompson.

He is survived by: wife, Lydia J. “Jan” (Bailey) Thompson of Fort Myers, FL, sisters, Linda Jean (Thompson) Downer of Santa Maria, CA and Cheri Thompson Reid of Fairfax Station, VA, daughters, Deborah Sue (Thompson) Taylor of Raymond, NE and Leslie Diane Thompson of Fairfax, VA, son-in-law, Scott Taylor, step-son Todd Papy, and grandchildren, Lauren Taylor, Peyton Taylor, Garrett Whisenhunt, Cara Papy, AJ Papy, and Declan Papy – all of whom loved and admired him.

Bob was a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he was commissioned through the ROTC with distinguished honors. He received advanced degrees from Southern Illinois University and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His background in logistics and program management served him well in both the military and the aerospace industry.

While serving in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years from 3/18/66 – 7/27/87, Bob retired at the rank of Colonel as the Deputy Commander of Maintenance. He held senior leadership positions at the Pentagon in both the Headquarters USAF and the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His various assignments included Combat Logistics Planning, Logistics Doctrine and Long Range Planning, and Logistics Resources for Joint Operations. Among his many decorations were the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. While in the service, he authored three publications addressing the need for forward thinking in logistics and in joint operations.

Upon retiring from the Air Force after twenty-one years, Bob assumed the position of Logistics Program Manager with Northrop Corporation. He was instrumental in the development and design of automated test hardware for the B-2 stealth bomber. This position he maintained for ten years before moving to Colorado Springs.

His third “career” was as a Renaissance man, with passions in painting, sculpting, woodworking, fishing and golf. Bob displayed his bronze sculptures at the Loveland Sculpture Show in Loveland, CO for four years and enjoyed interacting with all the art lovers, who liked his approach to eagles, bears and other wildlife.

Bob wanted to be remembered for his deep love for his family and our country. He truly honored those who served and those who continue to do their part to keep us a free nation.

His Celebration of Life ceremony is to be held at Evergreen Mortuary in Colorado Springs, CO on Saturday, October 14 at 2pm.

His cremains are to be held at Arlington National Cemetery. The date of ceremony is to be determined.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Colonel Robert Harold "Bob" Thompson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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