Mr. Jean Walter Thompson

Jean Walter Thompson, 90 of Fort Collins, died on August 2, 2014. He was born on July 11, 1924 in Martha, Nebraska (Holt County) to Charles and Anna V. (Swanson) Thompson. When he was four years old, he moved with his family to Chadron, Nebraska, where he later graduated from high school. In 1934, Jean met and fell in love with Elizabeth Edmonds. At that time, Elizabeth’s father became the pastor of the Baptist Church in Chadron. In January 1945, Jean and Elizabeth were married in Gibbon, Nebraska and later in 1950, the couple moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. In 1937, Jean worked for the US Cavalry at Fort Robinson, Nebraska; breaking and shoeing horses and mules. He worked hard and developed a very successful career as a contractor; he built over 800 homes, built or remodeled 10 churches and many of the buildings at Colorado State University. One of his greatest feats was helping build Mt. Rushmore in 1938. In 1942, Jean went into the Army Air Corps as a pilot and paratrooper. He led raids behind enemy lines and received numerous medals and battle stars, including the Distinguished Service Cross. One of the most sobering feats was when he helped liberate the notorious Nazi prison camp in Dachau Germany. Jean was a great cowboy, hunter and warrior. There were few things that he couldn’t do and if he couldn’t, he sure wouldn’t admit it! He will be dearly missed and is survived by his daughter, Diana (John) Finley of Fort Collins, Colorado; granddaughters, Anna Gilmore of Alhambra, California, Jessica (Justin) Johnson and Kathrine Finley of Fort Collins; great-granddaughter, Faith Gilmore and great-grandson, Merrick Johnson. He is preceded in death by his wife, Beth Thompson; his parents; brothers, Charles, Fredrick, Kenneth and Ralph Thompson; daughters, Theresa Kay and Sharon Dawn. Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Friday, August 15, 2014 at the American Baptist Church at 600 South Shields, Fort Collins. Private Interment with full Military Honors at graveside is scheduled for later that day. Jean’s family wish to extend a very special “Thank You” to all of angel caregivers with Pathway’s Hospice; they were truly a blessing! In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Pathway’s Hospice at 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins.

Mr. Jean Walter Thompson

July 11, 1924 - August 2, 2014