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Byron Richard “Rick” Thompson, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the age of 72.
Rick was born on Sunday, September 24, 1950, in Marlow, Oklahoma, to Byron Wade and Ruth Etta (Williams) Thompson. The oldest of 3 children, Rick grew up enjoying the outdoors, camping, and was a Boy Scout. The family attended Selecman United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City. Rick attended school in Midwest City, Oklahoma, graduating from Midwest City High School in 1968. After high school, he attended Central State University and Oklahoma State University, each for 1 year to advance his skills until joining the Military. Rick chose the United States Navy where he served from 1970-1977. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Rick was assigned to a P-3 squadron, ending his naval career as an E-5. Rick’s passion was aviation.
In 1972, Rick met Christine Harpin, of Millville, Massachusetts, at Miramar NAS (Naval Air Station) in San Diego, California. They married at the end of December 1972 in Midwest City, Oklahoma. The U.S. Navy began their life adventure. In June of 1975, they had their first son, Aric. Rick re-enlisted in the Navy. By 1977, Rick was ready to be a civilian and go back to school, and his second son, Sean, was on the way. Throughout his civilian life, Rick worked for several companies with military aircraft contracts around the globe, allowing him and his family to travel to and live in exotic places. When the boys were young, they lived in Europe for a short time while Rick had assignments in Belgium and throughout. The family returned after several years to travel. They lived from the top of Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania to Circus, Circus in Las Vegas, finally settling in Massachusetts and eventually Florida. In 1999, Rick married Betty Charlene Powell in Davenport, Ok. After retiring, he taught classes for the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa. Rick was a very compassionate and generous man. He would help just about anyone.
Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Charlene Thompson; his parents, Byron and Ruth Thompson; and a brother, Dale Thompson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Aric Thompson of Cumming, GA, and Sean Thompson of Midwest City, Ok; grandsons, Christopher Thompson of New Smyrna, FL, Michael Thompson of Cumming, GA, and Caleb Powell of Cochran, GA; a sister, Melody Benson of Cherokee, Ok; stepsons, Anthony Powell and his wife, Rebecca of Cochran, GA, and Travis Powell of Chandler, Ok; his aunt, Janice Williams of Midwest City, Ok; mother-in-law, Betty Ott Melton of Stroud, Ok; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and David Helm of Stroud, Ok, and Gail and Danny Paine of Stroud, Ok; sister-in-law, Joy Bly of Edmond, Ok; niece, Desiree Gibson of Cherokee, Ok; nephews, David Thompson of Garber, Ok, and Ian Benson of Midwest City, Ok; several great nieces and nephews; 1 great-great nephew; his first wife, Christine Harpin; as well as a host of other family members and friends.
Rick’s family wishes to thank everyone for their heartfelt condolences and well-wishes.
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