February 9, 1917 - March 12, 2018

Kenneth William Thompson, 101, was born on February 9, 1917 in Virginia, Minnesota to William Holmes Thompson and Eleanor Swendby and went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 12, 2018 in Downey, California.

Ken was welcomed to Heaven by his loving wife, Vivian, and brothers, Don, Wayne and Roger Thompson, who preceded him in death.

Ken grew up during the Great Depression in Duluth, Minnesota. He later moved to California where he was supervisor of field training for the Maytag Company for over 35 years. A veteran of the United States Army during World War II, he served as a radar technician in five major battles, including Battle of the Bulge and Bastogne. Until the day he died, Ken was a great patriot who deeply loved the United States of America.

Kenny was a devoted husband to his sweetheart, Vivian, for over 53 years until her death in 2000, and was a loving father to his three daughters, Joan, Kathy, and Mary. He cherished his role of grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, serving as a role model to three generations. Above all, Ken deeply loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully served at the Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton and Trinity Baptist Church of Downey.

Kenny was also dedicated to his friends and community, the City of Downey. His warm heart, friendliness, sense of humor, enthusiasm, helpfulness, and hard work endeared him to many. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Ken leaves behind his loving family: Daughters: Joanie Hinson (Alan) of Placentia, California; Kathy Broy (Larry) of Brea, California; and Mary Parke (Jim) of Placentia, California. Grandchildren: Joshua Hinson, Kate Gardner, Kari Broy, Laurie Padama, Daniel Gardner, Dustin Broy, Kristen Merrill, Bonnie Fagan, Nicholas Barrington, and eleven great-grandchildren ranging in age from newborn to eighteen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Ken’s family would ask for contributions to be made to Courage Forward, an organization for Veterans & at-promise youth, finding purpose together at www.Couragefwd.org.

Risher Mortuary and Cremation Service are Funeral Directors. Condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.rishermortuary.com.