Obituary of Robert Paul Thompson

Robert Paul (Bob) Thompson, age 96, departed this life on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, Missouri. He was born September 17, 1915 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Ora A. and Meda L. (Laker) Thompson. He began studying classical music at age 3, and after 17 years of formal music education decided to learn a new more contemporary technique. Showtunes, Ragtime, and the �Bluesy� stylings of Boogie-Woogie soon became his favorites. Frances Eleanor Easley entered Bob�s life in July of 1938 and they fell instantly in love. They were married on September 16, 1940. A couple of years later, Bob was called to serve his Country, leaving behind an expecting wife. He was shipped out for Hawaii and the Philippines after Special Forces training. But instead of battling the Japanese, Bob was recruited as the lead pianist and conductor for the Army Band where he played backup for U.S.O. shows, visiting dignitaries and Army �Brass�. He accompanied Bob Hope, Danny Kaye and the Jimmy Dorsey Band among others, as well as being the guest conductor for the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He returned after the war to Frances and his baby daughter Marilyn, whom he had never seen. Music remained his profession with piano, organ and accordion his specialties. He was a lifetime member of Local 29-717 Musicians Union and Local 2-197 Musicians Union. Years flew by, Douglas and Claire were born, and Gregory. Before Bob blinked twice, he had 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandsons. He loved his family very much, and was proud of all their accomplishments. After living most of his life in St. Louis, and visiting the Lake of the Ozarks for many years, he moved there permanently in 1972. A devout Catholic, Bob became a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as organist for Our Lady of the Lake parish in Lake Ozark for 25 years. His hobbies included walks with Frances, bird watching, action and suspense movies, coin collecting, �gadgets�, and although you couldn�t� tell by looking at him, he was known to enjoy more than one trip through the buffet line. He is survived by Frances, his true love of 71 years, and all his children; Marilyn F. Thompson of Osage Beach, Missouri, Douglas Thompson and wife, Judith of Brumley, Missouri, Claire Thompson Lawrence and husband Major Retired USAF William Lawrence III of Keller, Texas and Gregory Thompson of Eldon, Missouri; his grandchildren, Christa, Stephanie, Erin, William IV, Elias and Hannah; his great grandsons, Marcos, Gabriel, Liam, Cameron, and Chancellor Robert.