Matthew "Chris" Thompson

Matthew Christie “Chris” Thompson died April 6, 2015. He was 78 years old.

Thompson was born to Chris and Jane Bock Thompson in Brooklyn, New York on August 10, 1936. His parents had moved to New York in 1933 and they returned to Richmond in 1943. Young Chris attended schools in Richmond and then entered the Marine Corps in 1953. He underwent recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. He later attended Upper Iowa University, Iowa State University and Drake University.

From 1953 on he served at various posts throughout the United States, Caribbean and Asia. In 1965 he was part of the initial landing force at Chu Lai, Viet Nam. He returned there in 1967 and left in January 1969. During that time he was placed in charge of the SAT support within air group 17. He became responsible for expeditionary airfield support in “I” Corps, Viet Nam as well as supporting 8th Air Force airfield support equipment in Thailand. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, a Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and wore six stars on his Viet Nam campaign ribbon. In 1971, Thompson was assigned as a Marine recruiter in Des Moines and later became the chief recruiter in Central Iowa. He was promoted to Master Sergeant in 1972 and retired from the Corps in 1974.

Thompson became a member of the Junior ROTC staff at Des Moines Technical High School. The unit was one of the nation’s largest public high school units in the United States, totaling over 300 cadets. Thompson created three drill teams that would win over 400 first place awards in competition against other high school JROTC, as well as collegiate ROTC units nationwide. The drill teams “The Blue Knights” and “The Americans” both won national drill contests at the VFW and American Legion national conventions. “Blackmans Rifles” marched to many thousands of watchers from Boston to Seattle, Houston, New Orleans, Memphis, Winchester, VA and back to Des Moines. The cadets also performed as ceremonial guards for the Iowa State House during Friendship Force visits. They also acted as color guards for the State basketball tournaments and wrestling championships. Thompson also created a work program which offered students the opportunity for part-time work, as well as a community volunteer program during the school year as well as summer.

Chris later worked in sales before retiring in 2002. His personal interests ranged from gardening, genealogy, cooking, physical fitness, part-time work, and being an avid Iowa State sports fan. He consistently supported charities such as the USO, Toys for Tots and Hope Ministries of Des Moines. Chris was a tissue and skin donor through the Iowa Donor Network.

MSgt Thompson leaves behind his wife, Linda Diane; four children, Mary Frances Thompson, Marie Christina (David) Nyczepir, Mark Thompson and step-daughter, Melissa Suzanne (Tate) Leferink; two granddaughters; and five grandsons.

Thompson will be cremated and laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with a service and luncheon to follow at Lutheran Church of Hope.

Those wishing to remember Chris are asked to send the memorial to one of his charities, Hope Ministries, USO, Toys for Tots, Catholic Charities or Lutheran Church of Hope. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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