William Thompson

William E. “Bill” Thompson, 93, of Sterling, died Friday, April 15, 2016 at CGH Medical Center. William was born September 3, 1922 in Atchison, Kansas, the son of William and Esther (Moxley) Thompson. He was a World War II veteran serving in the 8th Army Air Corps as a top turret gunner/flight engineer on a B-17 bomber receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for bombing raids over Germany. He married Mamie Leach on May 12, 1945 in Sterling. She preceded him in death on February 19, 1996. He owned and operated his own trucking company, and later was shop manager for Saunders Leasing, now Ryder Trucks. After retirement he worked part-time at Jack Nicklaus’ Muirfield Golf Club, as a security guard. Bill was a member of the Big Red Church, Sterling. Survivors include one daughter, Margaret (Mark) Zumdahl of Sterling; two sons, Eric (Laurel) Thompson of Dayton, OH and John (Rosemary) Thompson of Sterling; daughter-in-law, Gina Thompson of Geneseo; eight grandchildren, Scott Zumdahl, Amy McCormick, Greg Zumdahl, John Eric Thompson, Maggie Smith, Edward Harrington, Matthew McCullough and Emilie Castro; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Judith Thompson; two sons, Jack Thompson and William Thompson and one brother, Marvin Thompson. Memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Big Red Church, with the Reverend Jeff Coester, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM, prior to services at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established to the Big Red Church for the stained glass preservation fund, and Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com