Nov. 14, 1919 - April 30, 2012
A visitation will be held for Donald Wesley Thompson, 92, of North Bend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at North Bend Chapel, 2014 McPherson Ave. Private graveside services will be held Friday, May 4, at Sunset Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the United Methodist Church, 2289 Meade St. in North Bend with pastor Jerry Steele officiating.
Don was born Nov. 14, 1919, in Chinook, Mont., to Jacob Abel and Ina Criswell Thompson. He passed away April 30, 2012, in Coos Bay.
In 1934, Don and his family left the homestead and moved to PeEll, Wash., where he graduated high school in LeBam, Wash. He was attending Grays Harbor Junior College when World War II interrupted his studies. Don joined the U.S. Navy and was part of the Guadacanal campaign and later was stationed at the North Bend Air Base as an airman mechanic. He met Alice at a USO dance and they were married Aug. 5, 1945.
After the war, Don worked various jobs for a few years as a carpenter, gas station attendant and high climber for various logging companies as he and Alice were building their home. It continues to be the family home today.
In 1954, Don and Alice formed a general construction company that is still owned by family. He built many local buildings, schools, treatment plants, state park restrooms, and Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service bridges.
Don belonged to the United Methodist Church in North Bend where he had continued to be an active member. He also was an active Mason. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his daughter, Barbara Frasier and husband, Lloyd; sons, David and Kat, Dan and Jody and Don and Carol; eight grandchildre; five great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; son-in-law, John Josephson; and sister, Eleanor Brown
Memorial contributions may be sent to the United Methodist Church, 2289 Meade St., North Bend, OR 97459.
Arrangements are under the direction of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.
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