J. M. Thompson, one of our best known and most highly respected citizens, died at his home in this city at 10:30 p.m. on last Saturday, January 24, 1931. His death came as a shock to all, as it was not generally known that his condition of health was at all precarious.During the previous week he had made a trip to Dodge City, where he consulted a specialist. The cause of his sickness was some form of sinus or ear trouble. It was thought, up to a day or two before his death, that his condition was gradually improving, but a change came the latter part of the week and from that time on he gradually became worse.
Mr. Thompson was a native of Illinois, having been born in the town of Bowen, that state, on August 13, 1856. At the age of 27, Mr. Thompson came to Kansas and, in Montezuma, this state, on January 10, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice Luella Shull. During the following 21 years the couple made their home in Carrol co., Mo.
In the year 1905 the family moved from Missouri to Kansas, settling near Larned, where they continued to make their home for about 10 years, coming from there to Comanche co. in the year 1915. Here they continued to live, either near this city or in town.
When Mr. Thompson's failing health forbade his doing much farm work, the family moved to this city. During the 15 years they had lived in this county, they were active in community, Sunday school and church work, at least as long as their health permitted. Mrs. Thompson has been an invalid for the past few years, thus keeping her closely confined to her home.
At an early age, Mr. Thompson became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and as long as he lived he was loyal to his Christian profession. His was a life of unselfish devotion, not only to his family and friends, but to his Christ and His teachings as well. All who had ever known him regarded him as a good citizen and a faithful husband and father. Kind, sympathetic, honest and with unanswering fidelity to the best things in life - these qualities won for him the confidence and the esteem of everyone. How much he will be missed in the family, no one can realize, except those whose experiences have been similar. He is gone but the memory of his exemplary Christian life will remain for many years as an inspiration to all who had ever known him.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his devoted wife and by four sons and four daughters, as follows: Claude W. Thompson of Caliente, Nev.; Mrs. Mabel McInteer of Minneola, Kans.; Joe Thompson of Garden City, Kans.; and Helen Walter, Mrs. Dolly Robbins, John and Caroline, all of this county. One son died in infancy and a daughter, Esther, died at the age of two. All of the surviving children were present at the funeral.
Funeral services were conducted from the M. E. church in this city at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, with burial in Crown Hill cemetery. The pastor, Rev. C. C. Brown, had charge of the services. He spoke of the far reaching influence for good which a life such as Mr. Thompson lived, always exerts. Rev. Chas. E. Brown, now of Kiowa, but formerly pastor at Larned, was present and read the Scripture lesson. The music was furnished by a mixed quartet, composed of Wm. Brumbaugh, J. P. Boshell, Mrs. V. J. Allderdice and Mrs. V. R. Smith, and by Mrs. Martin Zerby and Mrs. Ferrel Guizlo, the two last named singing a duet. Mrs. Zerby sang solo at the home.
In every way, the services were very impressive. The flowers which had been sent were numerous and very beautiful. The church was crowed to its utmost seating capacity. Mr. Thompson had long been a member of the Masonic lodge and that order, also Eastern Star and the Coldwater public school teachers and pupils, were present in a body. The Masons had charge of the services of the grave.
At the time of his death Mr. Thompson was 74 years, 5 months and 11 days of age.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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