Thompson pens book about her life

A country singer who has ties to the area, Sue Thompson, born in Nevada as Eva Sue McKee, is preparing a book about her life and is being assisted in the endeavor by Dan Keenan, a retired Army officer who also has experience in several fields, including as a news anchor. Thompson first learned to sing, play the guitar and ride a horse while living here.

Thompson recorded for many years, at first singing country music and later popular music. She had several Top 40 hits such as "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)," "Norman, Have a Good Time," and "Willie Can." In the late '60s she returned to country music and did several duets with County Music Hall of Fame singer Don Gibson.

Thompson never quit singing, after her hits she performed in Las Vegas casinos and clubs in Hollywood. From time to time she still performs; Keenan said she might even be looking for a venue around Vernon County to perform.When told of Bushwhacker Days Keenan said that could be possible.

"She's thinking about performing there," Keenan said. "That could be a good time for her."

Thompson, 85, is now living in Pahrump, Nev., and is working on a book about her life. She is looking for people in the area who might recall her from her childhood in Nevada.

"We'd like to find someone who might have some information from back then," Keenan said.

Thompson recalls living on East Wooter, near Jefferson School, and remembers with great fondness the Peak family who owned a grocery store across from the school, particularly how generous they were in those financially difficult times. She says Mr. or Mrs. Peak would always find a way to slip a free piece of candy for the children into the family grocery sack.

"They were always so nice to us," Thompson said. "They just always did more than they had to."

Thompson attended Jefferson School through the fifth grade. Sue recalls her principal was Opal Campbell and her third grade teacher was Miss Merle Collins. On her initial day of school in the first grade, she said didn't look as she ran across the street and was struck by a Model T Ford.

Fortunately, she suffered only bumps and bruises. The Peaks were the first people to come to her side to minister to her and give her comfort.

"I must have been so anxious to begin that I didn't look when I crossed the street and got hit," Thompson said. "The Peaks came and helped me get to school and made sure I was all right."

Later, Thompson said she wanted to be a female Gene Autry.

Thompson and her family moved from Nevada to San Jose, Calif., where she won a talent contest and caught the eye of a local band leader, Dude Martin, whom she married but for less than a year. She married Hank Penny and hosted a Los Angeles television show with him before moving to Las Vegas.

"She's led an interesting life," Keenan said. "She's had several hit songs and she was one of the first to entertain the troops in Vietnam."

Keenan said that experience had a lasting effect on Thompson due to her exposure to Agent Orange, but didn't let that stop her.

"She doesn't let it get her down, she just keeps going," Keenan said.

Thompson still has relatives in the area including Marion Irwin. Irwin said the family kept in touch with Thompson.

"Her dad and my granddad were brothers," Irwin said. "She has been back here before and we've talked."