Robert Clyde “Hardrock” Thompson, lifelong Picher , Oklahoma
resident passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Osborne
Care and Rehab Center in Miami, Oklahoma. He was 85.
Mr. Thompson was born November 5, 1925 in Picher, Oklahoma to
Odessa “Doc” and Laura Ellen (Wood) Thompson. He graduated
from Picher High School in 1944, then he attended N.E.O. A&M
College where he was a hard hitting linebacker for the N.E.O.
Golden Norse Football Team, where he acquired the nickname “Hardrock”.
He also played football for Pitt State.
Bob spent 2 terms of duty with the United States Army,
serving in Phillipines and Korea. On September 21, 1946, he
married the love of his life Peggy Nadine Harryman in
Columbus, Kansas. They lived in Picher for 53 years, where
they raised their 3 children.
He was a Principal, Coach and School Teacher in Picher –
Cardin School System for many years. He coached Football,
basketball and track for many years. The New Fieldhouse at
Picher High School was named after Mr. Thompson and was a
pride for him. He was an avid golfer who prided himself for
walking all 18 holes until he was 84 years old, at least
twice a week.
But the most important decision he made was accepting Jesus
Christ as his Lord and Savior. He loved his grandkids and
great grandkids and loved going to every sporting event that
they were in. He loved the town of Picher and the People in
it.
He was preceded in death by one son Daniel Lee Thompson and
one daughter Tamara Kay Smith, one brother Armine Thompson, 3
sisters Beulah Perry, Ione Coble and Lavita Stone and his
parents.
He is survived by his wife Peggy of 64 years of marriage, one
son Rick Thompson and wife Marilyn of Miami, Oklahoma 3
Grandchildren DaAnn and husband Robert Morris of Carl
Junction, Missouri and their 3 children Joseph, Zachary and
Isaac. Chad Thompson and wife Sarah of Tulsa, Oklahoma and
son Eli. Danielle Cox of Joplin, Missouri, and son Bobby. 2
sisters Wanda Armstrong of Miami ,OK and Betty Lovelace and
husband Delbert of Welch, OK.
Funeral Services will be Monday, January 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
at the First Christian Church in Miami, Oklahoma. Rev. David
Jackson will officiate. Interment will be in G.A.R. Cemetery
in Miami, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Steven Coble, Russell
Coble, David Harryman, Kyle Armstrong, Bucky Barnes and Joel
Barnes. Military Rites will be conducted by American Legion
Post No. 147 Funeral Detail. The family will receive friends
from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home in
Miami, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of the Paul
Thomas Funeral Home of Miami, Oklahoma. Online condolences
may be made at
www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com