Clifton Oliver Thompson Sr.

Clifton Oliver Thompson, Sr., passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017, with his loving family by his side.  He was born July 13, 1930, in Murphysboro, Illinois.  Clifton married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Marie Sims in 1950.  They enjoyed 67 years of a strong and loving partnership. Clifton joined the army in 1949.  He served in the Korean and Viet Nam wars. His military career included the training of cadets at West Point, NY, serving in the 101st Airborne Division, and eventually retiring as a First Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. After retiring from military service, Clifton worked as a Land Agent for Peabody Energy Company, retiring with 15 years of service.  

Clifton is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and their five children; Kathleen Hurst, and husband Damon, Rio Rancho, NM., Sandra Matson, and husband Gary, Surfside Beach, SC., Deborah Torres, and husband Michael, Rio Rancho, NM., Clifton Thompson, Jr., and wife Suzanne, Rio Rancho, NM., and Michael Thompson, and his wife MaryMargaret, St. Pete Beach, FL.
He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and residing in Illinois, his brother William Thompson and sister, Charlotte Miller.

A service with military honors will be held on Thursday, September 28th at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 29th at 5:00 p.m., at Pongal Event Center, located at 1101 Golf Course Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Storehouse West, 1030 Veranda Dr. SE #F, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Southern Chapel
2400 Southern Blvd
Rio Rancho, NM 87124