of Greenbrier,
October 13, 1923 - July 20, 2015
Elan Thompson, 91, went home to be with his heavenly Father on July 20, 2015 in Conway, Arkansas. Elan was the son of the late Woodie and Eva Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma Wilf Thompson; one daughter and her husband, Diane and Denny Brown of Wooster; two grandsons, Brent Brown (Carrie) of Wooster, Kent Brown (Mitzi) of Conway; two great-granddaughters, Callen and Chandler Brown of Wooster. He was also preceded in death by his wife's parents, Leo and Noami Wilf.
Elan was born, raised, and lived most of his life in Floral, Arkansas. Because of a family accident, he quit school at the age of 17 to support the family. Elan was a hard worker and known for his honesty. He married the love of his life, Norma Wilf, in 1947. Together they owned Thompson Farms where they raised hogs, cattle, and poultry as well as operated a feed mill and egg-grading plant. They also had a business in Hot Springs known as Spring Valley Eggs.
Upon retirement, Elan and Norma moved to Searcy, Arkansas where they lived over twenty years. Elan was a member of the men's coffee group at the Cookie Basket and loved camping with friends from the Little Red RV Club. Another passion of his was fishing and you could often find him on his boat around the Greers Ferry/ Little Red River areas. In his 80's, Elan took his first class in computer basics and loved spending time at his computer.
When health issues became a problem, Elan and Norma moved closer to their daughter in Conway making friends at Trillium Park and St. Andrews Place.
Elan was a devoted Christian that loved his Lord and served Him in different ways throughout his life. In his younger years, he was an active member of Floral Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon in 1955. In Searcy, Elan joined the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on numerous committees. Upon the move to Conway, Elan joined Wooster First Baptist Church.
Elan was a part of a gospel group (The Floral Singers) that sung in over 40 churches and in numerous nursing homes. He was also a longtime member of Gideons International.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday July 25th, at Wooster First Baptist in Wooster, Arkansas. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Floral, Arkansas at 4:00 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be his son-in-law, the grandsons, Bill Pruitt, Charles Smith, Wayne Gay, Daryl Brown, Gary Goodman, Ronnie Joe Fowlkes and B.L. Brown.
Remembrances may be made to the building fund of Wooster First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 218, 68 Church Circle, Wooster, AR 72181.
Diane, I am so very sorry for you and other familys' loss. Especially your Mom's. She will miss him so much, as will you and other loved ones. We know now, though, that your dear Dad has only peace and comfort. I am sure that your family's Faith in God will see you through this great loss. God Bless and be with you All!
Diane:
So sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember so many good times (and good food) shared with your family when my dad was pastor at Floral. Love to your mom. Cherish your memories!
Evelyn
I am very sorry for your loss. Elan was a great man and a wonderful role model for me and my generation of kids growing up in Floral. He was always a very positive influence. I think of him often.
In our 60 years of business , Élan , was one of the nicest men we have ever known...We have fond memories of Elen and his dad...How they loved to fish...and Élan tells of my flying over his mill and egg operation , to get parts for his repairs.
Rest well...dear friend...I will look for you in heaven...
Persons memories...
Byron Joe Swafford
John L. Swafford,dec
Jon J. Swafford,dec
Norma and family , Mary and I are so sorry for your loss . Elan was a good friend for many years and will be missed
My deepest regreats to his family, especially Norma and Diane.
He was both a patient and friend.
We will all miss him!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Mr Elan did so much for his community and he will be missed.
Norma Lee, Diane and family....I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much he meant to all of you and what a blessing he had been in your lives. He will be greatly missed by so many people because he touched so many lives. Love to all of you.
My heart goes out to Norma with prayers and love!! Diane so blessed to have you and your family in my families life!! Love and respect to you for such care and devotion that you have given to your parents!! You have many blessings waiting for you in Heaven !!
My condolences to Diane,her mother and the rest of the family.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for y'all.
I feel lucky to have met such a wonderful man and was able to care for him as a nurse. Y'all have a wonderful family! Love y'all
You are in my prays thought the day to come
We will all miss you Élan your are now in your heavenly mansion with our lovely Lord Jesus