Steven Kent Thompson
Steven Kent Thompson
This will not be a conventional obituary because these are not conventional times, and the man about whom this is written was not a conventional man.
Steven Kent Thompson, 61, West Plains, Missouri, beloved father of Buddy Ray Thompson, entered into eternal rest on Thursday morning, March 26, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and ministers of the Christian faith.
In life, Steven might have been regarded as a simple man, but to think that was the sum of him would be a mistake. He was a complex soul whose complexity may have been easily hidden or overlooked except by those who knew him best. Without an advanced degree, he was a marvel of a mechanical engineer. There was nothing he could not ponder and study and figure out the workings of. He was a deliberate and studious man, but he did not often study in books. In life, some might have regarded Steven as unchurched, but he lived and breathed every day in the natural cathedral God created. He had a special appreciation of God’s world and the creatures in it and enjoyed a remarkable bond with his animal companions. He loved doing almost everything that a person can do outdoors. He had gifted hands to do the bidding of his mind.
Steven was born on Monday, August 25, 1958, at Christa Hogan Hospital in West Plains, Missouri, the son of Laurel Ray and Margaret M. Thompson. From an early age, he shadowed his maternal grandfather, from whom he learned the basics of carpentry, and his dad and adored uncles. His imagination was filled with bulldozers and diggers and other big machines. He spent long hours and hot summer days operating imaginary machinery in the yard, until he began working on real machinery such as his bicycle and, later, an ancient Cushman scooter he rebuilt from the frame up, then a Honda motorcycle, and later still, his 1982 3/4-ton Chevrolet truck. That old truck was the last machine he worked on before he fell ill. Steven was never afraid of hard work. His first job was delivering newspapers for the West Plains Daily Quill, back when paper boys were a chattering, yelling, ink-smeared subculture of our community, those boys who popped wheelies on their bikes outside the newspaper building as they waited for the day’s news to be ready to stuff and roll into tight cylinders to be thrown on front porches all over town. He made life-long friends in his years at the Quill, both among his co-workers and the subscribers he served. Much to his parents’ relief, Steven graduated with the West Plains High School class of 1976. Auto-body and shop classes were probably the only things that got him through those high school years. Decades later, he was likely the only graduate who not only still owned, but could still wear, the plaid sport coat that he wore then (never mind the polyester pants). Without question, Steven lived by the maxim “waste not, want not” or, better, “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” It was just in his nature. Metal odds and ends, nuts and bolts, odd engine parts, and pieces of angle iron were filled with possibility for him and might one day be useful. Often, they were. He was a mechanical visionary. Following his paper-boy years, Steven worked as a parts man at Smith Auto Parts, on the line at International Shoe Company, in various positions at Marathon/Regal-Beloit, and as a self-employed small engine repairman and welder. Sometime in his manufacturing years, he became known for wearing cut-off jean shorts (the pockets hanging down below the cut) with combat boots. He cut quite a figure, as he always did have legs prettier than any man deserves. As a self-employed mechanic and artisan, he kept many lawnmowers and a lot of landscaping equipment and lawn tractors in service. He made feed bunks. He crafted wind chimes. He welded fencing for private homeowners and a local church. He even built the forms for a coral reef display in a far-away aquarium. He kept careful accounts, but it is certain the numbers in his notebook never reflected the full value of his work. He was a reliable and steadfast friend, ready to help when and where needed, asking nothing in return. He was steady, gritty, and fiercely independent. He kept his own schedule and his own counsel, attributes that were as endearing as they were sometimes frustrating to others. He never told a story in a hurry. His accounts were filled with deliberative silences bridged by small portions of abundant detail delivered in a slow drawl. A phone conversation with Steven could be an exercise in mindfulness, focus, and patience. He was always himself and he was dearly loved.
Steven never wavered in his devotion to his son, Buddy, who with his wife Jama and two daughters, Braylen and Lilly, survive him. He is also survived by his parents, Laurel and Margaret Thompson, West Plains; two brothers, Jim Thompson (Sarah), West Plains, and Russell Thompson (An), Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; one sister, Vickie Petkovic, West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas E. and Ivy Morrell and Earl H. and Faye Thompson; one sister, Sherrill A. Thompson; and one nephew, Jeffrey Scott Thompson.
The family plans a private graveside service, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A memorial service may be planned for a later date as circumstances allow. Though we cannot gather together now, we would love to know your memories and stories. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridges, A West Plains School District Project, or charity of choice and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Katie and David Black
March 27, 2020 @ 12:24 pm
Words cannot express the sadness that we feel. Our thoughts are with the family and the many friends who were touched by Steven’s kind heart and good deeds.
Pam A Coffman
March 31, 2020 @ 9:02 pm
I am so very sorry to hear about Steve. I got acquainted with him when I worked at Regal. Such a kind person. Loved his quiet laugh. Praying for all.
Deb Grisham Wehrman
March 27, 2020 @ 2:04 pm
Jim and family..words will not express the feelings that I have for you and your family with the loss of your brother. Family is # 1. Wishing you peace and giving inspirstion to get you settled again.
Glenda & Steve Rieck
March 27, 2020 @ 2:18 pm
Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences and prayers during this tough time.
Sunie & Bo Pace
March 27, 2020 @ 4:03 pm
To the entire Thompson family, we are so sorry for your loss. We send our prayers for your strength and comfort at this difficult time. Much love and sympathy, Bo and Sunie Pace
Dottie Summers
March 27, 2020 @ 4:43 pm
Jim, keeping you and the Thompson family in my prayers..
Christine Turner
March 27, 2020 @ 11:27 pm
Buddy, Jama, girls, and the Thompson family: Keith and I are so very sorry to hear the passing of your dad. I know it must of been hard to not be with him but you have memories of times you were with him happy and having some good times. If there is anything at all we can do during this difficult time please let us know. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
March 28, 2020 @ 11:10 am
We are so very sorry for your loss. God bless and take care of you all.
Darrell Jarman
March 28, 2020 @ 3:24 pm
To all the family, my deepest sympathy.
Roger Good
March 29, 2020 @ 1:15 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
March 29, 2020 @ 1:33 pm
To ALL the Thompson Family,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you upon the loss of Steven. Your entire family will be in our daily thoughts and prayers. During this difficult time, may God comfort, encourage, and strengthen each one of you daily. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Bob & Bill Cobb
March 30, 2020 @ 4:27 pm
Always wanting to help anyone at any time miss you.
Ty Jolliff
March 30, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
LaurelI pray for pease through all this, I thought of Steve as a good friend, we worked many years together at Marathon Electric. He was described very well in his obituary and I agree fully. God Bless your family!!
larry grisham
March 30, 2020 @ 11:16 am
He was a good and faithful friend. He will always be missed. Larry Grisham and family.
Jane kramer
March 30, 2020 @ 11:52 am
To the entire Thompson family I want to tell you how very sorry I am to hear of the death in your family! Prayers for comfort and strength.
Dana Clevenger
March 30, 2020 @ 4:33 pm
Jama-sounds like you wrote the obituary! So very nice!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what family means to you. He sounds like he was related to my dad!! Fixing anything and keeping everything!!
I just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you!
And I never forget what all you do for all!
Love, Dana
Lyle Talley
March 30, 2020 @ 5:14 pm
Deepest sympathy to all of the Thompson family. Vickie: I am so sorry for your loss.
Shannon Caldwell
March 30, 2020 @ 6:39 pm
So sorry for you guys. I met Mr. Steve Thompson in a way most people would not expect. He helped me out more than he realized. I had no idea how detailed he would keep watch on the situation, let’s just say it was detailed down to the minute and he helped to solve a major case. In dealing with Steve I felt like we had known each other our whole lives as we talked hotrods and trucks. I could tell he remembered more about mechanical things than the average man would. I see these things in his son Buddy to in how detail oriented he is in everything he does. The world could stand to have a lot more Steve Thompson’s in it for sure.
Blake Bowers
March 30, 2020 @ 7:28 pm
Rest in Peace, and prayers.
Larry & Kelly Dame
March 30, 2020 @ 7:42 pm
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Jennifer Miller
March 30, 2020 @ 8:06 pm
To the Thompson family:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I was not familiar with Steven, but am sure he was a great man, as he came from great people. You are deep in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Shipley
March 30, 2020 @ 8:55 pm
I have known Steve since our kindergarten days and always considered him the best of friends. Steve had that childlike curiosity yet had the manly ability to delve into a project and not only fix it but sometimes make an improvement to the task at hand. I have been blessed to know Steve and his family. Condolences to all.
Greg Lowe
March 30, 2020 @ 9:01 pm
Very sad to hear of Steve’s passing. We were childhood friends and graduated high school together. We used to cruise around town in his 289 Ford Fairlane, which he also built from scavenged parts.
My sympathies to the Thompson family. He was a good friend and will be missed.
Trudy Lindeman Jackson
March 30, 2020 @ 11:28 pm
What a wonderful obituary for an obviously wonderful man! Praying for God’s peace for all of this wonderful family.
Lois Reborne
March 31, 2020 @ 12:36 am
So sorry to hear that Steven is gone; He was indeed an uncommon man. Once when he was doing some work at my house, I decided to show him a dog that a friend of mine made out of various steel pieces: nuts and bolts, various short lengths of pipe, and some kind of mechanism. He looked it over, and over again, then glanced at me and said “That’s interesting, but what if somebody needs this here valve?”
He will not be forgotten. Blessings of comfort to the family. Love, Lois reborne
Susan
March 31, 2020 @ 10:04 am
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Vickie, and family,
What a beautiful tribute ! Your family will be in my prayers for peace and comfort in the weeks to come.
Susan Shannon York
John Thompson
March 31, 2020 @ 12:00 pm
Carolynn and I are sorry to have learned of the passing of Steven. Our prayers are with you and the entire family.
John & Carolynn Thompson
Stephen & Betty Coats
March 31, 2020 @ 7:14 pm
Dear Buddy, Lauren, and Family: Betty and I were very sad to hear about Steve’s passing. I’ve only known him for 3-4 years but in that short period I’ve come to appreciate and admire him. He has helped me out many times with small engine problems and has charged me very little in spite of my attempts to pay him the going rate. He always had many interesting stories to tell and his memory was truly amazing. If there is a memorial service in the future, please let me know. I hope that my Savior will look as favorably on me as I’m certain he looks on Steve. Stephen and Betty Coats
Betty Copeland
April 1, 2020 @ 1:30 am
To the Thompson Family and Vickie. I am deeply sorry for your loss and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vickie, though I never met Steven, the words written about him and his life are very heart felt. There is not doubt he came from a very special loving family. I pray for you and your family to have peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.
Greg and Renee Stephens
April 1, 2020 @ 8:23 am
Laurel and Margaret,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Steven.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.
Much Love,
Greg and Renee Stephens
Mike J. Moffis
April 1, 2020 @ 7:36 pm
iv’e know steve along time he was one heck of a guy the last we spoke we talked about his old bright yellow ford falcon sorry for your loss
Karla Bean
April 1, 2020 @ 7:54 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Thompson family. It is always hardest to lose a child my Mom told me, and it breaks my heart to know your hearts are broken. May the memories of Steve brighten your days in the time to come and take away a bit of the grief with each memory. Love and prayers, Karla
Debbie Brown Hooker
April 2, 2020 @ 10:50 am
My deepest condolences go out to the Thompson family. What an eloquent tribute to a very talented man. I was a 1976 classmate, so sad to hear of his passing. I pray that all your good memories bring you comfort, strength and peace during this difficult time.
Kellie Goss
April 10, 2020 @ 10:11 pm
Buddy, I am sorry to hear about your dad passing. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Love you.