Larry Thompson

Larry Thompson, 87, of Jerome, Idaho, passed away peacefully in Florida with his wife on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Larry Thompson was born in 1937 in Jerome, Idaho, to Willis and Esther Thompson. He served 6 years in the US Air Force in Mountain Home, as well as in Guam and Japan. While serving in Japan, he trained in Martial Arts and trained with various well-known martial artists such as Bruce Lee. During this time, he achieved the level of black belt in karate and won 4th place in a world competition. He served an LDS mission for his church in Missouri following his time in the Air Force. He graduated from Utah State University and spent most of his career working as a teacher in Mount Vernon, Washington, where he taught social studies. He also enjoyed coaching volleyball and basketball at the middle school. While living in Mount Vernon, he had six children: three boys and three girls.

In June 1995, he married the love of his life, Blanca Thompson. During their 30 years of marriage, they lived life to the fullest, traveling to various parts of South America, including Venezuela, Brazil, Panama, and the Amazon. They served as missionaries in the Spanish Branch in the Twin Falls area for many years. In this calling, he provided services to others in the branch mostly utilizing his handyman skills assisting people with home repairs. Larry and Blanca also served as temple workers in the Twin Falls Temple for many years. They moved from Idaho in 2019 for warmer weather, where he spent his remaining years in Texas and, lastly, Ocala, Florida. His backyard was his little nature paradise, which brought him much joy.

Larry’s children: Charlyn Bluemel (Aaron Bluemel), Vaughn Thompson (Jamie Thompson), Darin Thompson (Patty Thompson), Tiffany Clark (Dan Clark), Kristina Marquez (deceased), and Kevin Thompson (Dayna Thompson), Ivette Schulkins (John Schulkins), Ivonne Bybee (Shane Bybee). He is a grandfather and a great-grandfather to many.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Missionary Fund. This is what he would have wanted.