Matthew "Chris" Thompson
April 06, 2015
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.
MSgt Kevin Osborne USMC(ret.)
04/17/2015
Chris Thompson was my mentor while attending Tech High. I was a young misguided kid with shoulder long hair but looked up to the Marines. When I went to Tech, I had to be a part of it. My very first meeting with MSgt Thompson was when I asked, "How do I get in to this outfit". He had a cup of coffee in his hand, standing in his dress 'C' uniform. Looked over his cup at me and said; "Get a hair cut". That's all he said.... next day I came up to his office and the night before had shaved every bit of my hair off and asked if I could get in now. He told me, "Son you and me are going to get along just fine" I have looked up to him since that day and he was always there for me with advise and wisdom. He was a guiding light in my time of darkness as a young boy and will forever remember him. God Bless the Thompson family and know that I love and will miss Chris. He has done so much for so many young kids. Semper Fi - Tech High Class of '78
Dan Bell
04/17/2015
Tina
I was sorry to hear that your dad had passed away. I remember him from Tech he always gave me the business, so I knew he liked me, and later when he worked for Storey Kenworthy, as he worked with a friend of mine that I grew up, who worked there with him. I hope that your grief is short and your memories of him are long. Dan Bell
Nancy Willis
04/14/2015
Chris was a fellow teacher at Des Moines Tech. I knew and respected him greatly. I am so sorry to learn of his death. I had his beautiful and smart daughter Tina in class. My sympathies to all the family.
Tammy Schultz-Mortenson
04/12/2015
MSGT Thompson was a second dad to me. One thing I'll never forget: We had taken most of the trophies at Culver Military Academy and were gloating. He dropped us all, in front of all those we beat, and we did push-ups to learn to win with grace. Once we got on the bus, we sang our usual, We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions. Semper Fi, Sir! See you at the Pearly Gates!
Marva Pickett-Hughes
04/12/2015
MSgt Thompson will be greatly missed.. He was firm and tough.. But after you got to know him. He was always genuine and kind.. My 1st encounter with him was a study hall class, when he told me "I will address his as MSGT Thompson.. I just laughed and said no I won't, your just a teacher"... From that time I had decided to take that class.. And never regretted it at all.. He than became.. MSGT Thompson.. Thank you for the memories.. And the lessons learned.. And the strong determined LADY you made out of this defiant student.. RIH..
Kandi Petersen
04/12/2015
Chris was a friend from the time he was with the Junior ROTC at Tech, back in the 70s. He had a great sense of humor. I was delighted to see him after a long period of time in my office, selling office supplies. He will definitely be missed by friends and family.
Ruby Fogwell
04/11/2015
Saying a prayer for family friends, and loved ones for strength, and healing at this difficult time. I truly believe God sent this wonderful man here to spread his message of Love. ( He wasn't the mushy type. Drop and give me 20 maybe) He was a Mentor and one of my Balcony People I believe he is still there, in that Balcony sending those words of encouragement down from the heavens to all that listen. God Bless you Sir and now you can truly walk on the clouds.
Kim Kohrs Reimer
04/10/2015
Words do not seem enough right now. When his name comes up in conversation it always seems the room lights up and everyone, rather you were his student, or a student at Tech has a story to tell. we can laugh about it now, but at the time he could both make you freeze with fright, and help you laugh at yourself later. This man was more than a teacher, friend and father, he was the very picture of someone who knew what needed to be done, and he did it. some people in your mind are never meant to leave this earth, and I honestly believed he would out live me. Im so sad for his family at his passing, but I also know from Our communications in the past 4 years that he lived his life to the fullest, and didnt seem to have any regrets, if anything we can learn from him live life to the fullest, make yourself and others happy when ever you have the chance, and above all be a person you can be proud of. Rest in Peace Sir, you will never ever be forgotten
Laurie "Harris" Fontana
04/10/2015
Chris was one of my instructors in the Marine Corps JROTC program at Tech High School. I learned a lot in his classroom about the Marine Corps and life skills. In addition I participated in the drill team, color guard, and rifle team. One memory I have of the "MS" was one time our drill team didn't do well at practice and he gave us a stern talk to get our act together. At our competition we did so well winning a trophy. We all wanted to make him proud and we did. His big smile afterwards was proof.
Over the years he has still been in our lives, especially those that were in ROTC. He loved coming to reunions and being on Facebook reconnecting or keeping up with previous students.
During high school I hung out as his home since I was friends with his daughter. He never was just a teacher to me; he was a like a Dad to me at times.
R.I.P. Sir!
Fred & Jean Schultz
04/10/2015
So sorry for your loss. We were so pleased to talk to you both recently at Doctors office. Heard you were both happy that we stopped, sat down and talked with you both. So glad we could make you both happy! Chris took very good care of my two children while they were in his care at Tech, at parades and performances with drill teams. They felt he was a second Dad to them.
Lori Halsted
04/10/2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Master sargent Thompson was a great person. I didn't have ROTH at Tech but we did talk. He is one person that will be remembered for a long time. And will be remembered as a major part of Tech High
Margery Watts
04/08/2015
To Linda and family, Chris will be remembered for his kindness to me when I was laid up for the hip replacement. Everyday with the paper for me and even got the eyebrow pencil. Nothing fazed him. His smile was always welcome too. I know how much you all will miss him. He was so proud of and loved his family. May he be celebrating today as all his health problems are swept away and he rests with his Lord. I'm sure heavenly choirs are singing one of those 50's or 60's songs he liked so much. Our deepest sympathy and love, Thinking of you and all the lovely memories you have of Chris and the things you did together.. Wayne and Margery Watts