Donald E. Thompson

Donald E. Thompson, age 91, of Seattle, WA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 2, 2020, at Providence Mount Saint Vincent, in Seattle. A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Dalton Cemetery in Dalton, NE with Father Bryan Ernest officiating. Inurnment will be in the Dalton Cemetery. Cremation has been held.

You may view Don’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Don’s care and funeral arrangements.

Don was born on May 8, 1928, in Gurley, NE to parents Harry and Mary Thompson. He was the youngest of six children and spent his entire childhood in Gurley. Don graduated from Gurley High School in 1946 and moved to Fremont, NE to attend Midland College. While Don was at Midland, he began to receive training as a barber from his sister Marie’s husband, Ralph. After completing his training, Don decided to leave Midland and started working full time in Ralph’s Barber Shop in Fremont. Shortly before the end of the Korean War in 1953, Don joined the United States Army and served one tour of duty, before being honorably discharged. Following his military service, Don moved to Washington State, to be near his sister Emma and brother Berton. He worked one season at Paradise Lodge at Mount Rainer National Park, before moving to Tacoma, WA, where he resumed his career as a barber. In the early 1960’s, Don changed careers and moved to Seattle (and later West Seattle), becoming a Postal Clerk until he retired in 1993.

Don had two great passions in life, classical music, and travel. Over the years he attended many performances by the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera. His record collection of classical music was extensive, with Wagner being his favorite composer. In terms of travel, Don literally traveled the world. He visited every continent except for Antarctica and had an opportunity to experience many different cultures up close. Of all the major cities of the world, London, by far, was his favorite and he visited there many times.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harry Jr, his sister Rose, his sister Emma, his sister Marie, and his brother Berton.

He is survived by his nephew Ralph Black Jr and wife Norma of Neligh, NE as well as great nephews, Chief Petty Officer Rick Black, United States Navy Retired and wife Barbara of Yuma, AZ and Scott Black and wife Shannon of Ceresco, NE. Don is also survived by his nephew Colonel Marcum Thompson, United States Air Force Retired and wife Sharon of Manassas, VA and great nephews Adam Thompson of Ludlow, KY, Stephen Thompson of Durham, NC, and great niece Katherine Thompson of Chicago, IL.