Marvin Devere Thompson

Marvin DeVere Thompson, 84, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at a Topeka hospital. He was born February 13, 1933 in Delia, Kansas, the son of Curtis and Eleanor (Simecka) Thompson.

In 1951 after graduation from Delia High School, he registered for the draft in Holton. He was soon called in and was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington and later to Camp Henford, Washington where he received training in Guided Missile Systems, located in White Sands, New Mexico. He was released from the Army in 1953, and joined the Kansas Army National Guard the same year. The Guard sent him to radar repair school in Fort Bliss, Texas. Before the completion of this school, he was offered full time employment at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop, in Topeka, Kansas. He accepted and became a National Guard Technician on May 24, 1954. He worked in the shop as a communication repair technician. In 1974, he was instrumental in establishing a Calibration department at the CSMS, maintain and calibration of equipment for the Kansas Army National Guard. He developed this program and worked as a Calibrator and Supervisor, in this capacity until 1978, when he was promoted to supervisor of the Communication Repair Section. He performed these duties as supervisor for 15 years until his retirement. He retired at the age of 60 due to loss of military membership in the National Guard. As a technician, he received many excellent and outstanding ratings and accolades. The award he cherished the most was "World's Greatest Boss", from Larry, Greg, Myron and Alex.

His service in the Kansas Army National Guard totaled 38 years, during which time he worked in many different positions and was promoted accordingly. He was selected as the "State Command Sergeant Major" of the Kansas Army National Guard, this being the highest enlisted position in the Kansas Army National Guard. During the Korean Crisis, he was called to active duty with the 496th Ordinance Group, and sent to Ft Riley, Kansas in support capacity, serving approximately one year.

During his military career as a Guardsman and as a Civil Service Technician, he also served in a voluntary capacity as President of the Kansas Enlisted Association. The Association worked for the enhancement and benefits for enlisted Guard members. Marvin served in this position for two years, 1975 to 1977. Marvin was proud of 63 years in the Military for our country.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife, Deloris of 54 years and four children, Marvin DeVere (Lori) Thompson, II, Debbie (Bud) Bender, Christie Hullinger, Norman (Connie) Whyrick, all of Topeka, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, two sisters, Vivian Bartello of Morro Bay, California, Arlene Looker of Topeka, one brother, Nels Thompson of Topeka, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Marvin was preceded in death by his sister, Neysa Porter.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel. Cremation will follow the service and private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date. Marvin will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Transverse Myelitis Association, P.O. Box 826962, Philadelphia, PA, 19182-69212.

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