Bob Thompson
Robert Leland “Bob” Thompson, 84, died Aug. 18, 2020. He was born April 9, 1936, in Sterling to Robert and Angeline Thompson and grew up in Paoli. He was the oldest of five siblings.
To his many friends and family, he was known as Bob or BD. He graduated from Haxtun High School in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Miles, on Sept. 4, 1955.
During his life, Bob had several jobs, including mechanic, owner and operator of the B & M Conoco in Holyoke, deputy sheriff, school janitor, running Scormor Lanes, and he enjoyed his time at his last workplace, Kwik Stop.
To his family he was a husband, father, brother, grandpa and uncle. Bob served as a volunteer firefighter for numerous years and had fond memories of participating in the firemen competitions.
Bob spent many years refereeing and umping regional high school athletics as well as baseball/softball games. He coached Babe Ruth baseball and served as an officer for the regional Babe Ruth organization. He took several All-Star teams to regional and national tournaments.
Bob was an avid sports fan, having Broncos season tickets for over 40 years. He was known to watch baseball on TV and always kept score on his homemade score cards. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, fishing, playing softball, spending time with family, playing cards, fishing, and did we say ... fishing?
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years; and brothers, Richard and Gene.
Bob is survived by his children, Marshall and Tina Thompson of Holyoke, Tony and Georgia Thompson of Windsor, and Tammy and Doug Lang of Salida; grandchildren, Joe and Allie Goorman of Denver, Bryan and Jennie Goorman of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, Shawna and Cameron Thacker of Haxtun, Daysha and Andrew Michaels of Lillian, Alabama, Krystal Aimee Thompson and Andrew Barrett of Charleston, South Carolina, Todd Thompson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Robert and Andrea Thompson of Lafayette, and Kracinda and Tony Wakefield of Holyoke; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Dana and Janice Thompson of Wheat Ridge; sister, Dena May and Dean Sonnenberg of Fleming; sisters-in-law, Lynette Hutt of Haxtun and Vonnie and Gary Cranwell of Broken Bow, Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many close friends in Phillips County and the surrounding area.
In lieu of a formal memorial, the family held a day of celebration at Bob’s home on Sept. 12, with a graveside service at Haxtun Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department.
Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.