Cmsgt. Robert Thompson

A decorated Vietnam War veteran, CMSgt. Robert Eugene Thompson, USAF (Ret.) earned his Heavenly medal while surrounded by family in his home on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

The son of the late Robert Guthrie and Delores Joann Rance Thompson, Robert was born on October 26, 1951. Raised in Logansport, Indiana, he attended Logansport High School where he was part of the band and wrestling team. During that time at the young age of 15, Robert met the love of his life, Patricia who was 14 years old. In 1971, after Patricia graduated high school, they married at Clymers United Methodist Church in Clymers, Indiana.

Shortly after his high school graduation, Robert proudly joined the United States Air Force where he served as a crew chief and in many various aircraft maintenance roles, retiring as Superintendent at Head Quarters Air Force Reserve Command Robins AFB, GA. Robert served with pride and honor for a total of 30 years in the armed forces, where he achieved rank as the youngest Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force at that time. Following his career in the military, Robert continued serving his country as a Senior Analyst and Logistics Contractor for 20 additional years. He was well known for solving many complex problems, some of which supported high-level rescue missions throughout the world. Bob received many special recognition letters from several Presidents. His dedicated work ethic and high analytical skills led him to receive an open invitation from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for a position at the Pentagon at any time, if he desired.

A musician since Junior High School, Robert spent his spare time playing guitars and drums. He was a part of many bands throughout his lifetime and enjoyed collecting musical instruments, as well as books and antiques. He loved history and art, and was a profound writer. Robert also enjoyed being outdoors in nature and spending quality time with family. Strong in his faith, Robert was an Ordained Minister of the Christian National Church.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Gill.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia Ann Dillman Thompson of Bonaire; Troy Ryan Thompson (Nikki) of Miramar, Florida; Amy Ra’Chelle Howe (Chris) and Andrew Robert Thompson (Christina), all of Bonaire; grandchildren, Dylan and Ian Thompson and Landon and Braydon Howe; brother, Dan Thompson of Fort Myers, Florida; as well as several dearly loved nieces and nephews, including Jamie Dillman who he admired and loved dearly as one of his own.

Visitation with Robert's family and friends will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Gundrum Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating his life will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Carolyn DeWitt officiating. Afterward, Robert will be laid to rest at St. John's Cemetery in Logansport, IN, with full military graveside rites..

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of CMSgt. Robert Eugene Thompson, USAF (Ret.) to the Cass County Honor Guard Fund (a group of veteran volunteers who offer a special memorial rite at the funeral services of Cass County veterans) at Cass County Community Foundation/Honor Guard, P.O. Box 441, Logansport, Indiana 46947.