Richard Lee Thompson's Obituary
Tee Time in Unionville, Missouri, was February 11, 1938, for Richard Lee Thompson. His first sponsors were Robert William Thompson and Edith Lucille "Newell" Thompson. Richard attended Unionville schools with the other Midgets and graduated with the class of 1955.
After graduation, Richard attended and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla in 1959.
He entered the United States Army in 1957 and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he completed his service obtaining the rank of First Lieutenant. On his first and subsequent airplane flight ever, he jumped out of the plane.
In 1960 he was joined by his first manager who later opted for early retirement. His first caddies were Karen Denise Thompson and Glenn Ray Thompson.
In April 1971 he was joined by his second manager, Carol Jean King Thompson. They added an additional caddie, Beverly Sue Thompson, in 1972.
His degree from the university was in civil engineering. With his degree, Richard joined Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam in Beaumont, Texas. For a more comprehensive tour, he was employed by the City of Sherman, Texas in 1967 as their city engineer. While in Sherman, he was also with the Texas Highway Department. In 1976, after moving to Plano, Texas, he was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a three-year term. He later joined Camp, Dresser and McKee, where his career spanned thirty years. In those years, he advanced to Senior Vice-President for CDM, managed the Fort Worth office and worked on international projects that gave him the opportunity to work in the Middle East.
Richard had an enviable work ethic not seen much these days and was also very dedicated to his family.
Comments from his coworkers: Danny Shannon, "my spirits are lifted remembering the times spent with Richard and the fond memories of him. His kind soul belied his gruff exterior. Richard was the site/civil engineer of record for the North Austin Reservoir and Pump Station." Steve Lynk, "Richard was truly an icon in the industry and my mentor whom I learned so much from and, best of all, a close friend who was my boss first and then ironically became my employee after retiring and not being able to sit still."
His longtime manager, Carol, his three caddies and two reserve caddies, Pamela and Jennifer, were always proud of his accomplishments on and off the golf course, as were his Junior caddies, Mason, Klein, Karalee, Owen, Chloe, Landreth and Lindsay. He loved them all immensely and was proud of their developments in the school of golf.
Richard finished his final 18 holes on December 18, 2024, with a score of 86, with Carol holding his hand and his Junior caddie, Owen, checking the breeze.
Funeral services will take place Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 am at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri with Interment to immediately follow at Unionville Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, December 27, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00AM at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville. Memorials may be made to the Putnam County Athletic Boosters Scholarship Fund or Unionville Historical Society and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565 Attn: Thompson Family. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com.
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