Lyman Joe "Tom" Thompson

Lyman Joe "Tom" Thompson, 81, longtime resident of Mansfield, Texas, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2014, in Loma Linda, California. Tom moved to California to live with his son two years ago due to failing health issues.
He was born December 8, 1932 in Webbville, Kentucky to Hobart and Marie (Grigsby) Thompson. Tom served in the Marines from 1953 until 1957, earning the rank of Sergeant, the National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal First Award. While serving in California, he met his wife, Jewel Christine Thompson (Brumm) and they were married on November 4, 1955 in Yuma, Arizona.
Upon leaving the military, Tom worked for the ATSF Railroad until retirement. Tommy was the Signal Maintainer at Azusa, Ca. Then he worked one year as a Signal Inspector at San Bernardino, then back to Azusa before transferring to Texas as a Signal Inspector.
Having been born and raised on his father’s farm in Kentucky, Tom was a lifelong “cowboy” and loved horses, trail rides, and riding in parades. His favorite music was Gospel Bluegrass. He was a cousin of the famous Bluegrass musician, Don Rigsby.
He loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around. Although a man of few words, you could see the joy in his face as he played with them. He was surrounded by family and very good lifelong friends in his last days.
Tom was a member of Mansfield Lodge #331 of the AF & AM and was a Shriner.
Survivors include his son, Steve Thompson; grandchildren Kenneth and Desiree Thompson, Robert and Marcie Thompson, Steve II and Vanessa Thompson, Melody and Brian Franco, Amber and Audie Davis, and Cindy and Lance Lewis. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Lily and Regan Lewis, Jordyn and Lane Davis, Tony and Tracy Thompson, Jacob, Brayden, and Nolan Franco, and Steven Thompson III.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel and two sons Kenneth and Ronnie Thompson and grand daughter, Amanda Thompson.