More detail on this person: Jerry Linn Thompson was born July 26th, 1939 in Carter, Oklahoma to Florene Alma (Embry) and Bert Oliver Thompson. He passed away in Elk City on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at the age of 84 years. Jerry, known by most in his later years as "Mr. Thompson", grew up in the Carter, Oklahoma area. He attended Carter Schools where he graduated in 1957. He continued his education at Cameron and Oklahoma State University where he received an undergraduate degree in Agriculture communications. While at OSU, he was a member of ROTC and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade. He met the love of his life, Sharon Kennemer during his time at OSU. They were married at the home of Sharon's parents in Retrop, Oklahoma on January 23rd, 1962. Shortly after, he was commissioned into the United States Army where he obtained his fixed wing and rotary wing certifications. Throughout his career, Jerry and Sharon spent time at Ft. Riley Kansas, Ft. Rucker Alabama, Ft. Wolters Texas, and Landstuhl, Germany. After 3 years in Germany, Jerry was deployed to Vietnam where he was a Dust Off pilot in the 57th Medical Detachment Helicopter Ambulance Unit. During his time in Vietnam he flew 460 combat missions and transported 1,263 patients. He received multiple awards, medals and accolades including the Silver Star (Valor), Bronze Star, the Combat Medical Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in January 1968. Jerry and Sharon then returned to western Oklahoma where they continued to grow their family. He helped with the family farm in Retrop and began his new career teaching high school biology in Sentinel, Oklahoma. In 1971, they moved to Elk City where he taught biology for 10 years until he was given the opportunity to be the high school guidance counselor. Jerry flourished in this position and enjoyed helping students make decisions that positively impacted them throughout their lives. Jerry retired from education in 1992. He continued to farm wheat, cotton, and hay; raise cattle, work in his yard, was an avid reader, and loved puzzles. His favorite way to spend his time was attending the activities of his 10 grandchildren. From sporting events and ballet recitals to choir and band concerts, he was always there for them. He was a faithful member of the 2nd and Adams Church of Christ where he loved helping with Vacation Bible School. Jerry held a special place in his heart for the American Legion. He was instrumental in the reopening of the local chapter by encouraging high school kids to attend Boys & Girls State to represent Elk City. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Rheba Clifton. Jerry is survived by his wife, Sharon, of the home; his 3 children, David Thompson and wife, Wanda, Cheryl Firth and husband, Dr. Paul Firth, and Brad Thompson and wife, Sheana, all of Elk City, OK; 10 grandchildren, Dr. Lyndi Fisher and husband, Michael, Elk City, OK, Dr. Katie Thompson, Tulsa, OK, Mattie Thompson, Stillwater, OK, Dr. Benjamin Firth and wife, Britton, Tulsa, OK, Audrey Winn and husband, Dominic, Edmond, OK, Samuel Firth and wife, Meredith, Tulsa, OK, Emily Ghavami and husband, David, Oklahoma City, OK, William Thompson, Matthew Thompson, and Lily Thompson, all of Elk City, OK; 2 great grandchildren, Blaine and Blaire Fisher, Elk City, OK; 2 brothers, Ferrell Thompson and wife, Say, Oklahoma City, OK, and Jack Thompson and wife, Pam, Norman, OK; 1 sister, Peggy Rogers, Midland, TX and a host of other relatives and friends.
This information was last updated 06/03/2024
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Date posted on this site: 07/12/2025
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