Ronald Fred Thompson, of Colorado Springs, CO and previously Gering, NE, passed peacefully on 23 MAY, 2023 at home in Colorado Springs with family by his side. Ron is the son of Fred and Georgia (Degraw) Thompson and was born in Bayard, Nebraska on 7 NOV 1935. Ron moved to Scottsbluff and was raised with his six siblings. Ron graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1953. Upon completion of High School Ron enlisted in the Air National Guard and then he joined the United States Marine Corps from August 1954-1957.
Ron’s first wife was Jeanie, and they were married from 1957 until she passed in 1982. Ron then married Sandy (Sam) in 1984. Ron worked for the telephone company for 49 years and everyone called him Blue. After retiring, he delivered papers and then went to work for Aulick Industries. Ron enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved going camping, playing horseshoes, was a great bowler and loved to work in his yard. He also loved going on long rides on his scooter to places he did not belong! He was a member of the Gering Volunteer Fire Department from 1967 – 1995 when he went inactive. For over 12 years you could find Ron at the pit gate of the Highway 92 Raceway Park. He will be most remembered for his love of playing cards and cribbage. He personally taught every child, grandchild and almost every great-grandchild how to play cribbage. He loved his pups Buttons, Cooper and his birthday pup Riley.
Ron is survived by Sandy (Sam), his wife of 39 years; 5 children, Sandy (RJ) Parmenter of Scottsbluff, NE; Rusty (Mechele) Thompson of Garden City, KS; Becky (Jim) Schmidt of Colorado Springs, CO; Robin Shepard of Arvada, CO; Bryan (Ethel) Broberg of Cheyenne, WY; Daughter-in-law Debbie Thompson of Lincoln, NE; and 18 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sister Dixie Hansen. He was proceeded in death by first wife Jeanie; son Ronald F. Thompson Jr.; parents Fred and Georgia Thompson; sisters Shirley Hulit, Stella Strauch and Jackie Brunz; brothers Art Thompson, Ralph Thompson, and Dan Merriam.
The family is asking that in lieu of flowers that all memorials go to the Ron Thompson memorial fund. Ron’s funeral Service will be held on 3 JUN 2023 at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Lutheran Church with a reception following. Later a service will happen at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery with military honors.