Grant County, Oklahoma

Michael Leon Thompson

© Lanman Funeral Home

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

© Lanman Funeral Home

Michael Leon Thompson
May 7, 1965-December 29, 2022

Micheal Leon Thompson, 57, of Medford, passed into Heaven on December 29, 2022 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City at 7:36 p.m. due to complications during colon surgery. In those moments, he was lifted in prayers across the country by family, friends, former students, fellow educators, and athletes.

Micheal was born on May 7, 1965 to Harley Harvey and Betty Faye Thompson in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the middle of their three children and often regaled his people with tales of growing up in the family that Harley and Betty Faye built.

He graduated in 1983 from Panama High School. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Tulsa, where he was known as “The Whiz” for his quarterbacking skills. He was sidelined by an injury, ending his playing career. His passion for the sport was never sidelined, as he took the 2010 DCLA Eagles to the “ship” winning the title of State Champion and getting a chance to kiss the gold ball. He also served as the executive director of the Oklahoma Eight Man Football Coaches Association.

From 1984 to 1988, he attended Northeastern State University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in education, after which he embarked on a long and illustrious career of changing lives, loving kids and serving schools. He attended graduate school and in 2008 obtained a Masters Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in School Administration.

Coach Thompson spent nine years teaching and coaching at Valliant High school, two years at Freedom High School, two years at Wakita High School, five years at Ringwood High School, seven years at Deer Creek-Lamont High School, and in 2014 took the helm at Medford High School, where he served at the time of his passing

In his years as an educator, he served as a science teacher, coach, bus driver, administrator, friend, mentor, and entertainer for countless children and adults alike. He was known as the King of One Liners and a story teller. He was also a “gifted” dancer, often learning dance moves, much to the joy of his students. Coach loved passionately, laughed heartily and frequently, and always had an anecdote to bring those around him to tears of laughter. He lived by the motto that “If you teach them and love them, they will learn.”

On May 30, 1987, he married the love of his life, Laura Sue Smith Thompson, and they raised four children: Stephanie Renae Smith, Zachary Tyler Thompson, Morgan Elizabeth Thompson, and Lawson Alexander Thompson. He left his children a legacy of excellence, experiences, and enduring love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Betty Faye Thompson; father-in-law, Homer O. Smith and his wife, Carole Ann Smith; his maternal grandfather, Clinton A. Morgan and his wife, Lola Marie; his paternal grandparents, Harvey Thompson and grandmother, Ullie Jane West; numerous aunts, uncles, and loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Thompson of Medford; daughter, Stephanie Smith of Crestview, Florida; sons, Zachary Thompson and McKenzi of Pond Creek and Lawson Thompson and Hannah Jo of Stillwater, and daughter, Morgan Thompson of Yukon. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Randy Thompson and Martina of Greenwood, Arkansas; his sister, Sabrina Wood and Jamey of Edmond; his brother-in-law, Gary Smith and Heather of Henryetta, and Roger Smith and Melinda of Collinsville, and his sister-in-law, Mecynda Worley and James of Enid.

Perhaps the survivors who brought him the most joy were his grandchildren: Emily, Conley, and Brody Micheal, Paisyn, and Harley Jo, Knoxlin Tyler, and his newest grandchild, Finn. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, former students, and friends.

A scholarship has been established by the Oklahoma Eight Man Football Coaches Association that will be awarded during the 8-Man All-Star week. Contributions may be sent to OEMFCA, PO Box 549, Miami, Oklahoma, 74355. Please put “Thompson” in the memo.

Celebration of life service for Micheal will be Friday, January 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Medford High School Auditorium. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford. www.lanmanmemorials.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.