Robert Thompson

Robert John Thompson, 64, of Olathe, KS, passed away Saturday, January 28th, 2006 at Olathe Medical Center.

Mr. Thompson was born December 11th, 1941 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to John Carey and Alma Irene Thompson. He graduated from Perry High School in 1959, then went on to receive his Bachelors of Science in Education from Oklahoma State University. Despite his alumni status, he remained a staunch Oklahoma Sooners Fan all of his life.

He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He spent his life providing loving support and devotion to his family and friends. He will always be known as an extremely energetic and outgoing individual who was loved by many. He leaves an enduring legacy that will be a beacon of light for all of those he touched.

Mr. Thompson was a very successful football, basketball and baseball coach in the junior high and high school ranks in Edmond, Oklahoma in the late 1960's and early 1970's. During this time, he also served our country for over twelve years in both the Army Reserve and National Guard. In the mid-1970's he accepted a position as a Sales Representative for Fram Corporation. His career took him from Oklahoma to Rhode Island and ultimately to Kansas where he retired in July of 2001. Upon retirement, Mr. Thompson again returned to the coaching ranks by instructing his grand-children in their athletic endeavors.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his loving wife Mrs. Peggy Lynn Thompson of Olathe, KS; a son, Mr. Scott Brower Thompson of Olathe, KS; three daughters, Mrs. Kristen Lynn Todd of Olathe, KS and Mrs. Carey Jane Elsbernd of Andover, KS and Ms. Leigh Elizabeth Thompson and her fiancé Michael Noel McKinley, both of Overland Park, KS. Eight grandchildren: Nicole, Sophie and Nate Thompson; Sam and Jack Todd; and Abbey, Bradley and Joshua Elsbernd.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 1st, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. to be followed by the funeral celebration at 10:00 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church at 8130 Lackman Rd. in Lenexa, KS by Pastor Brian Albert who will be conducting the ceremony. Burial will follow in the Olathe Memorial Cemetery at 738 N. Chestnut St. in Olathe.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd St./, Overland Park, KS 66212, or the O.U. Foundation, Attn: Sooner Club, 180 Westbrooks, Rm. 3575,Norman, OK 73019.

"The candle that burns the brightest is always the first to go out."

Arrangements, Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel, 913-768-6777.