of Mabelvale, AR
November 17, 1942 - August 5, 2023
Don Michael Thompson, 80, of Mabelvale went to be with the Lord, August 5, 2023. He was born November 17, 1942 in Little Rock to James Walter and Elsie Smith Thompson. Don attended Mabelvale High School and Little Rock University. Don was a master electrician and co-founded Thompson Electric in 1983. Don was still working and did not have any plans to retire.
Don was a veteran who served in the United States Army Reserves Company A, 3rd Battalion, 1st Training Regiment. He was a marksman and a member of the rifle team.
He was a former appointee of the State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee (SEAC). He was a member of Piney Creek Ducks, Saline Bottoms, lifetime member of the NRA, Sigma Nu alumni and the Muppet Breakfast Club of Bryant's Cracker Barrel.
He had an appreciation for many activities, some of which he considered hobbies. Don spent valuable time with friends and family every day. He enjoyed sporting events, NASCAR, collecting Niloak pottery, antique furniture and light fixtures, brush hogging, operating heavy equipment and vintage Mustang muscle car collecting. He loved the outdoors and hunting wild game, especially ducks and deer. Other pastimes were bird watching in the offseason, planting food plots for his pet deer and taking care of the donkeys. Don enjoyed shopping for the grandkids and attending the grandkid's sporting events. He enjoyed watching westerns, streaming Erin's collegiate volleyball games, the History and Smithsonian channels and viewing exciting action on the game camera footage. He was a part-time barista at any location with a Keurig coffee machine.
For years, Don was involved in the electrical apprenticeship program. Don was adamant about teaching the new apprentices the trade. He loved sharing his knowledge and teaching apprentices and was a mentor to many employees. He had great satisfaction from the projects he had completed in Arkansas and around the country. Starting in the early 1970's, Don was a vital part of the many projects that have been built and developed at the University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences Campus. Including Ed II, BioMed I, Patient Tower and most recently the Radiology Oncology Proton Therapy Center.
Don met his wife, Carolyn, in 1955 at High School and they married after college. Don was one of Carolyn's full-time home caregivers in the final years of her illness.
He never forgot a face. It was often, that wherever he was, he would see someone he knew. Don often shared his lifetime memories and experiences with his family and friends. Don's childhood memories included trips to the Smith Farm in Scott, working in the family's garden, selling produce at the Farmer's Market in downtown North Little Rock or swimming in the Arkansas River with cousins from Rose City. He still spoke about his first paid job that he started at age 15 working for Safeway. He was later a produce manager before he went to trade school. He had wonderful memories from his school years and remained close to his high school friends. He valued all of his family, friends, employees, business associates and the experiences he shared with all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carolyn Hibbs Thompson; brother, Jim Thompson and brother-in-law, James Garvin. Don is survived by three children, Terri, Tracy and Keith (Tracy Isbell); grandchildren, Ethan and Erin; sister, Carol (Homer) Buck; sisters-in-law, Shirley Thompson and Marilyn Hibbs Garvin; brother-in-law, Johnny (Paula) Hibbs and many cousins, nieces, nephews and lifetime friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made directly to UALR Foundation referencing the "Don Thompson Endowed Baseball Scholarship". Send to UALR Foundation, 2801 South University Ave., Little Rock AR 72204-1099.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the Memorial Service immediately following at 12:00 PM at The Church at Rock Creek, 11500 W. 36th Street, Little Rock AR 72204.
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43 Condolence(s)
Joyce “Red†Moore
Sunday, August 13, 2023
My sincere Condolences to the Thompson family. I always looked forward to seeing Don at the Mabelvale all school reunions. RIP my childhood friend.
Ceil Wright
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Prayers for the entire family in your loss.
Martin Chilcote
Saturday, August 12, 2023
My deepest condolences to Don’s family & friends.
Elizabeth Stetenfeld
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Tracy,
Find comfort in all the great memories with your father. He will always be in your heart â¤ï¸
Elizabeth
Ron Tribell
Friday, August 11, 2023
Many years ago, I worked with his wife Carolyn at UAMS. She introduced me to Don and he joined the Gorman Deer club at Hampton, AR. Great man in many, many ways. My condolences to his family and friends.
Pam oelsen
Friday, August 11, 2023
So sorry for your lost God bless the family.
Mary Alexander
Friday, August 11, 2023
Tracie, Terry, and Marilyn
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Miss and live y'all.
Traci Hill Willis
Friday, August 11, 2023
Deepest condolences for your loss, Tracy, and prayers for you and your family.
Lori Grunwald
Friday, August 11, 2023
Tracy, Terri, Keith and family - So sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you as you celebrate Don’s wonderful life today. He will live on in your hearts.
Sonny and Sherri Bull
Friday, August 11, 2023
We are so sorry for the loss of Don. He was a great man, and we know he will be terribly missed. Prayers for your family thru this time.
Pete, Cindy, Jameson, and Phillip Butler
Friday, August 11, 2023
Our family was so sad to hear of Mr. Thompson’s passing. We will miss running into him at Three Sam’s, but will think of him fondly when we visit with the donkeys grazing by the fence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you navigate the loss of a great man.
Ron Skaggs
Friday, August 11, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family
Karla & Mike Shoemaker
Friday, August 11, 2023
We love you all, and our prayers are for strength and peace. I know he has reunited with all the Thompsons and our family is rejoicing together. We will see them again. â¤ï¸
Bryan Ryals
Friday, August 11, 2023
Mr. Don always had a story and advice. Amazed me with his memory for names and details. Great man and will be missed.
Don and Susie Schneider
Friday, August 11, 2023
So sorry for your loss. We know he will be missed by a lot of people. Our thoughts and prayers and with the family. May he rest in peace.
Clint & Tera Harper
Friday, August 11, 2023
Sending our sincere condolences
STEVE JOHNSON
Friday, August 11, 2023
Don Thompson was a Master Electrician and a Master Businessman and Master Friend. I will miss him. I was with Pickens-Bond when Don started Thompson Electric around 1983 with Ron Bank. I worked with him until he retired. It was always a pleasure. My condolences to his family and all the employees and business associates that he left behind.
Steve Johnson
Dave Roberts
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Don was always there to help in anyway will be missed.
Larry housley
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Janice and I enjoy seeing the donkeys on south loop and I know they will miss there friend.
Sheryl & Stan New
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Oh Terri & family, we are so sorry in the loss of your dad! I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about him! May God give friends & family the peace that only He can give you! My heart & prayers are with you!ðŸ™ðŸ½love & hugs from Sheryl & Stan New
xoxo
Nancy Wolfe
Thursday, August 10, 2023
So very sorry for your loss and pain you are feeling.
May you always be blessed with the beautiful memories and the love shared.
Mike Allen
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Sorry for your loss.
Sharon Lee Johnson
Thursday, August 10, 2023
There are no words.
Marylin Easley
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Terri & Family,
What a man! What a legacy for all of you! Just so sorry for your pain and brokenness. We have been lifting all of you up and for God to help you and your family and his friends. Prayers for strength and guidance and God's overwhelming peace to flood your heart during this sad time. Much Love!
Dennis milligan
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Don was always a joy to get to see out and about. I would stop by to say hi and the next thing I know I would
Spend the next 15 minutes talking with him about different things. He always had a story and I so enjoyed listening to him tell it .God speed my friend.
Katrinka "Trinkett" Mondy
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Tracy, Terri, and Keith
Your father was an awesome man. Rob thought a lot of Don. He really enjoyed working with him on projects at UAMS. I remember when he first told me that he was working with Don and I told him all about us all growing up together right across the street from each other. He was just amazed.
I love all of you. Sending each of you lots of hugs and prayers.
Love, Trinkettâ¤ï¸
Sam Weatherford
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
I knew Don in the business world before he was famous. He never changed. Thank you sir, for patiently explaining to me the functions, specs, and options, required of a motor starter. Back in the day, when it was a ‘gray area.’
I’ve never forgotten.
Sam
Mona Harris
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Don was one of my favorites and I will truly miss him and his stories of his younger days and up, he always had a new one to tell me never a dull moment with him n Rex during breakfast time the laughs so many memories made. It’s still hard to accept the fact that he won’t be coming through those doors anymore. I sure hope he knew how much he meant to us continued prayers for the rest of the family ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½
Kevin Stalnaker
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Lee Butler Blackwood
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
“Part-time barista at any location with a Keurig coffee machine†- that’s a man after my own heart! RIL Mr. Thompson. Praying for all who loved him and knew him best!
David
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Don and I were Sigma Nu fraternity brothers at LRU in the ‘60’s….he was a friend to all. May he rest in peace.
Louann Brewster
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
There are no words to express the loss of a parent. Your Dad will truly be missed by all. He was a daily fixture at the office. He would be there every time I would come in and always so nice to me. I know that I will miss him too. It has been a big shock on Jenn too so I can’t imagine the the pain the three of you are going through. My love and prayers are with you constantly
Karen Pudelski
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Tracy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words for the loss you have experienced. Please take some comfort in knowing that he will be in your heart and memories forever.
As Always,
Karen Pudelski
Peggy & Jackie Lawhon
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
We are so for your loss. Our prayers are with the family.
John crotts
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Don was by far the best boss and friend I ever had in my working years. He taught me how to understand the workings of the business. Don will be greatly missed by all he knew.
W Mac Clem
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
I will never forget the great memories spent with Don and relatives deer and rabbit hunting from a young age. What a great man who has done so much in his life for so many causes and people. I can’t imagine the great loss to all of your family and the people’s lives that Don has touched. May God bless you all in a special way at this difficult time.
Gail & Linda Ussery
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Paige Red
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Don Thompson was a great man that loved his family. I have so many found memories of him growing up. He was always there when you needed him. He was one of a kind. We loved him and we will miss him terribly. What gives us all comfort, is knowing he is in heaven with his wife Carolyn, his parents, his brother and many family and friends. You have left a great legacy, Uncle Don. Your children and grandchildren will continue to make you proud. You will live on forever in our hearts.
Hank Johns
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Our world has lost a good man in Don. My prayers and thoughts are with all of his family.
Jana Shelton
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Our love and prayers are with the family. May the Lord give you strength and peace in the upcoming weeks. Don Thompson was a great servant for the Lord and touched so many lives. Our great loss is Heavens gain!
Jana
Tabitha Connolly(Wolverton)
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
We are very Sorry for your Loss!! Don will be Missed!
Paige Red
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Don Thompson was a great man that loved his family. I have so many found memories of him growing up. He was always there when we you needed him. He was one of a kind. We loved him and we will miss him terribly. What gives us all comfort is knowing he is in heaven with his wife Carolyn, his parents, his brother and many family and friends. You have left a great legacy, Uncle Don. Your children and grandchildren will continue to make you proud. You will live on forever in our hearts.
Millie Blount Bisbee
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Condolences to all of Don's family. May you find comfort and peace. I had a very nice chat with Don just last week. It is difficult to know that he has left this life, but good to know that he is in a better place.