Paul Wayne (Rusty) Thompson

Paul Wayne (Rusty) Thompson passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024. He was a resident of West Plains, Missouri.

Paul was born November 11, 1951, in Kennett, Missouri, to Effie Mae (Airsman) Thompson and Joseph A. Thompson. He attended Kennett High School and later spent his working career as a photography salesman throughout Texas and Arizona. Once he retired, he lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a few years before moving and settling down in West Plains. He enjoyed life in West Plains, loved meeting new people and decorating his new home. He later became a resident of NHC Health Care facility and made many new friends there, which he spoke highly of and enjoyed their company. He had a big heart and always wanted to help others. He had a love for animals and even claimed his niece’s cat, Barney, as his.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Effie and Joseph Thompson, his three sisters Sharon Thompson, Patsy “Pat” Wofford, and Joyce Pitts, two brothers Jack “Jackie” Thompson, and Jacob “Jake” Thomspon, and nephews Jerry Wayne Dowdy and Justin Craig Thompson, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is survived by his sister, Jonelle “Jo” Dowdy, niece, Melanie Anderson (Carlton), nephews, Allen Dowdy (Beverly) and Jeff Thompson (Christina), cousins, Brenda Myer and Sammy Sickler, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank all of those who cared for Paul, which includes his doctors at Ozarks Healthcare and the staff at the NHC Health Care facility in West Plains, Missouri. There will be a private celebration of life to be held for Paul at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local humane society or the American Cancer Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.