Ray Henslee Thompson
April 18, 2021
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Service Details
Chief Master Sergeant Ray Henslee Thompson, 77, died at home on April 18, 2021. Believing in the power of perseverance, he inspired others by overcoming childhood polio to enlist in the Air Force out of high school. Ray earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Texas where he met and married Deborah Haney after a three-month courtship. Ray used his skills as an educator to foster success in others. Teaching in South Texas and the Navajo Reservation, providing educational guidance to the Army and the Navy as a civil servant, entertaining thousands as a master hypnotist, creating Hypnosis and More Stage Shows, Inc, his 77 years are defined by the lives he touched. Moving to Des Moines in 1984, Ray joined the Iowa Air National Guard, retiring in 2002. Volunteer work throughout his life allowed him to continue meeting new people and collecting stories to share. He was named 2017’s Showman of the Year by the Association of Iowa Fairs, and he was proudest of family.
Ray is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah; his five children, Thomas (Rita), Samuel (Alison), Jacob (David), Lucas (Amanda) and Jane Elizabeth; his siblings, Carol, Paul, and Patti; and his eight beloved grandchildren, Jakob, Wyatt, Aubree, Prudence, Lucy, Everett, Freya, and Jasper. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Dot Thompson.
Services will be held Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to University of Iowa Cancer Research Center and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Only Ray’s body has left us, his spirit lives on in all of us lucky enough to have known him.
Ann Brown
04/22/2021
Ray helped us on many Thursday nights at UBFM (Urban Bicycle Food Ministry) to get the food and supplies ready to feed the homeless and food insufficient. He always helped with a smile on his face and a story to tell. He will be missed. Prayers to his family.
LuAnn Folkers
04/21/2021
I met Ray at the Iowa Genealogical Society and from the first moment, I felt like we'd known each other for a lifetime. Warm and caring and so darn funny! He was one of a kind and I'm so blessed to have known him.
My sincere sympathies to the Thompson family - may all your good memories comfort you now and in the days to come.
Wasittha Thammawiroon.
04/20/2021
It was pleasure to know Ray at UBFM and found out that he was a chief at 132d FW way before I join the unit. He always had a huge smile on his face, so funny to talk to, one of the person that I could come to if I need some cheer up and the best person to be around. He will be missed.
Aaron Neely
04/20/2021
Dear Thompson family,
I am very sorry for your loss. As you all know, Rays influence was instrumental in my life, and for that all of you have my thanks and gratitude. Just recently his advice was of great help to me. I regarded his wise advice on the same level as advice from my own father. I knew I could always call him. He was a blessing to me and so many others. I join you in grieving the loss of a great man.
J. Scott Moline
04/20/2021
To say that Ray was a very special person is an understatement. We knew each other, worked with each other and travelled with each other. He always made me smile and greatly appreciate the time we had together. Bless you brother and thoughts and prayers for your family, Chief.
Heather Shields
04/20/2021
It occurs to me that though I never met Ray in person, I feel like I have known him for many, many years. His humor, talent, generosity, strength, and love...all radiate from Jacob. His adoration of his father was palpable. I am brokenhearted for the entire Thompson family.
From Heather, Steve, and Clara, we send our deepest condolences. May Ray's memory be a blessing.
Jim Gale
04/20/2021
It was a pleasure to enjoy Ray's friendship and good humor for many years during my time as a counselor at Algona High School. I went on many Navy Educator Visits with Ray, enjoyed his hypnotism shows, and always looked forward to the times he stayed overnight at our house. He spoke to many of our high school classes, and always amazed our daughters with his magic tricks. My sympathy to your family. Ray was a good man who will be greatly missed.
Trisha Cox Doss
04/20/2021
It was my pleasure to know Ray. He was inspirational and such a good person. He was always so proud of his family! So nice to witness this every Sunday at church. Sending love and prayers to the family. Ray will be missed!
Diane Wheeler
04/20/2021
I knew Ray from his volunteering at Lovejoy and he brightened so many childrens lives. My favorite days at school were the days Ray shared a space with me there. The students loved him so much! It was my honor to know him and he left this world a much better place! A life well-lived.
Bud Spaulding
04/20/2021
So sorry for your loss!
I know he will be missed but not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family !
Terry Greenfield
04/20/2021
Chief, you heard the call and answered every single time! We shared a lot over the many years in the 132d FW as a friend and mentoring "our" airmen! Thanks my friend, fellow polio survivor and fellow Chief, slow hand salute-RIP Ray, you have earned this!!! Chief Terry G
Ted Davis
04/19/2021
RIP and thank you for your years of service.
Janice Hawkins
04/19/2021
I knew Ray as a fellow survivor of polio. Many in our Iowa Polio Survivors group loved him & several would follow his shows. He was really talented! He will be missed. Condolences to his family
Zita Lovell
04/19/2021
I was proud to serve with such a fine man. Always an inspiration. My condolences to the family. RIP my friend. Zita Lovell 132 FW IANG.
"Toto" Johnson
04/19/2021
I knew Ray through our common love of performing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who loved...and will always love...him.