William Edward “Bill” Thompson

William (Bill) Edward Thompson, 86, El Dorado Springs, passed away at Cedar County Memorial Hospital early morning of Jan 2, 2021. William was born May 16, 1934, in rural El Dorado Springs, son of Royston and Gladys (McCurdy) Thompson. William attended school in El Dorado Springs through the 8th grade and then worked with his family.

Bill married Rosa Belle Tabor on May 16, 1953. They were married 30 years before Rosie passed away on Dec. 14, 1983. To this marriage, six children were born.

Bill joined the Army in 1954. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan and was discharged in 1962. Bill had worked at the Shoe Factory in El Dorado Springs for a few years and then moved his family to Pittsburg, KS. He worked at Dickey Clays in Pittsburg for 13 years. His job at Dickey Clays ended and his parents, Royston and Gladys were aging so Bill and his family moved back to El Dorado Springs. He worked at the Shoe Factory for 16 years until its closing and Rosie passed away. He then became employed doing carpentry work.

Bill married Madia Maxine Bell on Aug. 1, 1988. They lived in El Dorado Springs and enjoyed working together on their home. Bill enjoyed fishing, old cars and he loved the Lord.

Bill enjoyed going to church, hearing about the Lord and singing. Bill liked to listen to Maxine play the piano and sing. He liked to watch old shows like Gunsmoke and The Walton’s in his later years.

Preceding William in death were his wife, Rosa; two sons, William Dean and David Allen; parents, Royston and Gladys; brother, James; sister, Dixie; three brother-in-laws, Richard, Lindsay and Steve.

Survivors include wife of 32 years, Madia Maxine; sons, Michael Thompson and wife, Tammy of Commerce City, CO, and Daniel Thompson of Alton; daughters, Vicki Osborn and Dennis Gfeller, Judy Beck and husband, Audie, both of Nevada.; step-daughters, Sharon Ainsworth, and Judy Lee Weddle and husband, Terry of Ft. Scott, KS; step-sons, Eugene Ainsworth, Stephen Kendus, Jonathon Kendus, and Nicholas Kendus and wife, Misty, of Pineville; sisters, Alice Meek of Pittsburg, KS, and Martha Sparks of Lamar; 20 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and numerous step-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.