MICHAEL THOMPSON

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS -- Michael Ray Thompson, 69, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, entered eternity Sunday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2009. ?????? Service: 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel at Lucas Funeral Home, Hurst. Janie Greer, minister of Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Keller, will officiate. Visitation: His family will receive friends 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. ?????? Memorials: Consideration of contributions to Lake Country Christian School, 8777 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76179, or for the Children's Ministry at Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 860 Keller-Smithfield Road, Keller, Texas 76248, in Mike's memory, is suggested. ?????? Mike was born in Shreveport, La., on Oct. 22, 1939, the son of Walter Ray and Vera Mae Weeks Thompson. He married the former Connie Valentine on June 1, 1956. ?????? After graduating from Byrd High School in Shreveport, Mike served his country for 40 years in the Air Force and with the FAA. He was instrumental in developing the groundwork of the national airspace system for the nation's travelers. He served in various positions, including air traffic controller, supervisor, facility manager, regional manager and assistant division manager, serving in the Alaskan region. ?????? Mike was respected for his common-sense approach and problem solving. He was especially effective in building teamwork and consensus among various stakeholders while maintaining the mandate of safety for the flying public. However, his greatest earthly pleasure was participating in the lives of his grandchildren. His golfing and fishing buddies will notice his absence. Mike is looking forward to seeing all of you in his new heavenly location serving the Lord Jesus Christ. ?????? The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Drs. Steven Ash, Michael Dotti and Arthur Sagalowsky and their incredible staff. ?????? Survivors: In addition to his wife of 52 years, Mike is survived by his children, Michael R. Thompson Jr. and his wife, Joy, Steven C. Thompson and his wife, Sally, Karen Thompson Bentle and her husband, Barry, and Cindy Thompson; grandchildren, Katie, Travis, Trey, Pat, Chris and Marc Thompson and Barry Jr., Terry and his wife, Robyn, and Jack Bentle; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Rachel; brother, Walter Dean Thompson and his wife, Teresa, and their children, Darryl, Russell and Jason; sister, Shirley Thompson Asbrock of Shreveport, La., and her children, Natalie and Kim; sisters-in-law, Vonda Dunlap Ross and her husband, Oscar, and their children, Dwayne, Donna and Kim, and Deborah Collins and her husband, Frank, and their children, Mark and Frank Jr.; and family member, Caroyln Teutsch. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233

MICHAEL THOMPSON

October 22, 1939 - January 4, 2009