Eldon Dean Thompson

Eldon Dean Thompson, 84, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at Community Springs Health Center in El Dorado Springs.

Eldon was born Feb. 28, 1927, in Robinson, Kan., to Tonnes and Anna (Reidel) Thompson.

Eldon married Ruthanna Margaret Albers on Aug. 15, 1964, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Atchison, Kan. She preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 1996.

They lived in Hutchinson, Kan., three years before moving to Nevada, Mo. Eldon and Ruthanna had three children: Philip, David and Marcella. After Ruthanna's retirement from the Nevada Daily Mail, they traveled and lived in many different places in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. A short time before her death, they settled in Stickney, S.D. Eldon stayed in South Dakota a few years after Ruthanna's death and then returned to Missouri.

Eldon was a longtime faithful servant of God. He also was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Eldon enjoyed his family very much and loved his grandchildren. He looked forward to going to visit family on their farm every Sunday.

Eldon is survived by his sons, David Thompson and wife, Lynda, of Sacramento, Calif., and Phil Thompson and his wife, Susan, of Walker, Mo.; his daughter, Marcella Lukenbill and her husband, Ed, of Nevada; his two grandchildren, Sierra Lukenbill and Chase Thompson; sister-in-law, Isabel Thompson; and a host of family and friends that will miss this caring man.

His graveside service will be today at 6 p.m., at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 5 1/2 miles west of Golden City, Mo.

The family has suggested memorials to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.