Gene Henry Thompson

Gene Henry Thompson, 84, died June 22, 2014, after a long battle with strokes and Parkinson disease. He was born on a farm in the community of Harmon Jan. 27, 1930, the oldest of five children born to H. Arch and Christle (Featherston) Thompson. He was predeceased by his parents; and one brother, Paul J. Thompson. He attended elementary school in the Harmon community, graduated Springdale High School in 1947, where he served as class president his senior year. Gene spent his first year of college at Hendrix in Conway and graduated from University of Arkansas in 1952. He did his post graduate work at LSU, graduating in 1969. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Springdale and was a past member of its board, serving as treasurer. The First National Bank hired him as their note teller in December of 1952 and he was advanced several times during those first years, joining the board in 1961. He became president of First National in 1980 and retired in 2001 after 49 years of employment. During his banking career he served on numerous committees and boards with the Junior and Senior Banking Associations. He was a highly respected banker throughout the state. He served on the board and/or held an office for the library, Shiloh Museum, Boy Scouts of America and the Little League. He served on the hospital board from 1983 until it sold and discontinued its non-profit status. He was a member of the Rodeo Board, served on the city's Industrial Committee for many years and was trustee for the city Employees Pension Trust. Gene was a member of the Lions Club and held many offices, becoming president in 1961. He also served in many capacities for the Rotary Club. He was a charter member of the Jaycees, holding most offices, including president. While a member of the Jaycees, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in 1983 and was later honored as Boss of the Year and still later, received the Pioneer Citizens Award. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he headed most of their committees over the years and was president in 1985. He worked tirelessly with the committee to raise money for small colleges in the state. He was a member of the Neoka Region Sports Car Club of America, where he participated in many events with his MG sports car. Another hobby gave him the opportunity to serve as secretary of Portfolio #18 of the Photographers Society of America. Gene was an avid golfer and served on the local country club board several times. He enjoyed fishing for many years, collected coins, was a great amateur photographer, enjoyed sports car events and collecting wine. He shared his wine hobby by hosting a trip to Napa Valley for his siblings and gave many wine tastings for his friends. He and Georgia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by taking their children, spouses and grandson to the same area. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgia (McCoy) Thompson; one son, Steven Gene Thompson of Carl Junction, Mo.; two daughters, Tami JoAnn Shuck and Karen Kay Thompson, both of Springdale; one grandson, Tanner Thompson Shuck, also of Springdale; a chosen daughter, Cheryl K. Duncan, and a chosen son, Charlie L. Strickland, both of Springdale; two brothers, Bill L. Thompson and wife, Joyce, of Jonesboro, Ark., and Jack L. Thompson and wife, Rumi, of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Vicki A. Baab and husband, Bill, of Dallas, Texas; one sister-in-law, Glenna M. Thompson of Springdale; and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces and many friends and co-workers. The Thompson family wishes to express gratitude and thanks to the caregivers who attended Gene during his many strokes and Parkinson condition. Also the staff at The Maples, especially the employees on the 500 wing, provided excellent care during his final months. A memorial service, under the direction of Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale, will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in Springdale, with the Reverends David Freeman and Judy VanHoose officiating. At the request of the deceased, donations, in lieu of flowers, should be directed to the Barnes Jewish Hospital General Liver Fund, 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. W. STE 140, St. Louis, MO 63110; the First United Methodist Foundation, 206 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, AR 72764; or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. Online condolences may be made to www.siscofuneral.com.