Biography

George Richard Thompson, Sr., 85, of Sedalia, died Thursday, April 26, 2012, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

George was born January 4, 1927, in Sedalia, a son of the late Charles William and Zetta Luvena (Ray) Thompson.

After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the United States Army and served with the occupation forces in Japan. After leaving the service, George played minor league baseball in Louisiana, subsequently returning to Sedalia to marry Margaret Ann Liming on April 17, 1949. George attended Central Missouri State University on the GI bill earning bachelors and masters degrees in education. George taught and coached at LaMonte High School, was principal of Jefferson School and later principal of Horace Mann School. In 1959, George left education to pursue a career in insurance with Allstate Insurance Company and later worked as an agent for State Farm Insurance for 51 years.

George took great pride in having been one of the founders of the Sedalia Little League. George loved kids and continued coaching baseball and soccer teams in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. George served ten years on the Sedalia School District board of education; was active in many civic groups including the State Fair Foundation, the Center for Human Services, and the State Fair Community College Foundation boards. George was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother Charles, sisters Cleo, Anna Marie and Grace, and his son David. Surviving are his wife, Margaret; his son Rick Thompson (Libet); his daughter Teresa Fowler (Allan), six grandchildren, G.R. Thompson, Andrea Weikal, Elisha Freiburg, Danielle Fowler, Michael Thompson and Matthew Thompson; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 pm, Saturday, April 28, 2012, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Drew Hill officiating. Visitation will be 1 pm until service time. Pallbearers will be Chip Thompson, Mark Thompson, Earl Finley, Jack Cook, John Menefee and Dr. William Woolery. Honorary pallbearers will be Lou Tempel, John T. “Bud” Thomas, Dale Zank, Estel Jenkins, Don Weller and Jack Bloess. Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church or the Center for Human Services in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Visitation

Saturday April 28, 2012, 1 pm - service time at First Baptist Church
Click for Map and Directions

Funeral Service

Saturday April 28, 2012, 2 pm at First Baptist Church
Click for Map and Directions