Raymond L. ""Ray"" Thompson

Raymond L. “Ray” Thompson passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2019. Ray passed in his sleep with his family at home. Born in October 1939, Ray lived a full 80 years of life. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 57 years, son Marty (Tammy & grandkids Jessica and Kyle), son Daryel, daughter-in-law Micki and grandson Jessie. Ray is also survived by brother, Daryel, aunts: Eileen Smith and Lucille Lake, sister-in-law, Joyce Noyce, brothers-in-law: Ray Garlow, Don Eldred, Casmer Gomez, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and valued friends.

Ray was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He attended bible school and the Denver Public Schools where he graduated from Cherry Creek High School in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, with the encouragement of Uncle Bill Smith, attended boot camp and became an electrician with the Construction Battalion (CBs a/k/a ""Seabees"") in Port Hueneme, California. As a member of the Charlie Company, Mobile Construction Battalion 3, he traveled and served active duty at Midway Island, Okinawa, Guam, sailed to the China Sea offshore of Vietnam, was released from active duty, and ended with the reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1963.

After his service, Ray established and built his own carpet flooring business. He employed and trained many family members and friends to install carpet, all types of flooring and perform commercial and residential construction trades. He was a self-taught man who had a strong work ethic.

Exposed to the natural gifts of the Colorado and Wyoming mountains at a very young age, Ray learned to love fishing from his parents, Bud & Lorraine. Fishing, camping, hunting and road trips were passions for Ray and he would carry that on with his wife, Jane. He met Jane, the prettiest girl he ever saw, in 1956. They were married in 1962 and grew their family with the birth of their sons Marty and Daryel. His most treasured memories were building his life with Jane; watching his sons grow to be men; time spent camping, fishing and hunting with his family; many family gatherings over the years, especially at his 76th birthday party; his grandson Jessie whom he loved to talk to; and the occasional gambling, bowling, and cribbage games with family and friends. Ray loved Jane and was thankful she was by his side for all the years of his life.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur “Bud” and Lorraine Thompson, sisters: Sharon Garlow and Brenda Davis, sisters-in-law: Betty Thompson and Delma Eldred, a few friends and family along the way.

A memorial service followed by military honors and committal at Fort Logan National Cemetary will be held sometime in the spring. Service time will be updated here when it is scheduled. Prayers & thoughts may be shared here or if you prefer you may sand cards to Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227 for delivery to the family.