Memorial
Donald D. “Don” Thompson, Age 89, of Marion, IA passed away at home peacefully on Monday, November 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 10 AM to 12 noon. A funeral service will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Sunday, November 12, at 12 PM with the Certified Celebrant, Dr. James Coyle officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Garden of the Last Supper.
Don was born at home on June 11th, 1934, in Traer, KS. His family moved to Coggon to start farming. They then later moved to Cedar Rapids. Don attended Franklin High School until the 10th grade.
In 1951 he enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old. He proudly served in the Korean War until 1955.
On March 1st, 1958, he married the love of his life Barbara Kress in Quasqueton Iowa. Together they had 5 children.
Don had many jobs throughout his working career, from being a mailman to a jail Chaplin. He was always pursuing something even into retirement. Something he would say is “I’m not ready to sit idle, I’ve always enjoyed working” the day before he passed, he was wanting to get ready for work.
He served his community in many ways, but what was most important to him was serving the Lord. He was very active with his church families, starting with Toddville free Methodist church and ending with River of Life, where he was a dedicated volunteer of the food pantry. He was also a member of the VFW and DAV.
At age 57, Don went back to school at Kirkwood for 2 years, then transferred to Mount Mercy University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
Don had a great love for the outdoors, including fishing and morel mushroom hunting. He was also passionate for carving tikis in his early California days.
Don and Barb loved following along and supporting all their grandkids sports and activities.
Don will be deeply missed by family and anyone he came in contact with in his 89 years of life.
Those left to cherish Don’s memory are his children, Tina Navarro of Cedar Rapids, IA, Doug (Joyce) Thompson of Cedar Rapids, Shelley (Dan) Hyde, of Marion, and Wendy (Chad) Rice of Marion, IA; his grandchildren, Landis, Carlie, Adam, Amy, Chelsey, Connor, Abby, Dillon, Michael, Nic, Jordyn, and Cade; his great-grandchildren, Ryker, Harper, Parker, Ella, Addison, Carter, Myles, Liliana, Brennin, Rylee, and two on the way; his sister, Donna of Hiawatha, IA, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Connie Kress, of Colorado, and sister-in-law, Debby Kress, of California, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, a daughter at birth Tammy, an infant sister, and his siblings, Bonnie, Richard, Glen and Kenneth.
Memorial contributions will be made in his name to The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.