Donald W. Thompson

Life long Battle Creek resident, Donald Wayne Thompson, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep January 31, 2017. Don graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1945, served honorably in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force, and retired from Clark Equipment in 1983.

Don had many passions, including his family, gardening, music, wood working and enjoying what life had to offer. His great sense of humor, integrity and positive outlook on life can be best described in Thoreau's quote, "Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."

In 1945, Don married Joanne Sharp, a woman who was as passionate about the outdoors as he was. Together they spent their lives on many adventures of hunting, camping and fishing in the idea that, "They didn't honeymoon long, just the rest of their lives."

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Lillian Thompson, brother, James Thompson, wife, Joanne Thompson, and son, James D. Thompson. Don is survived by his son, Brian (Lindsey) Thompson.

Funeral services to celebrate Don's life will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. Robert G. Muirhead. Visitation will be Friday, February 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.