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David Windsor Thompson, Sr.

Posted 2015-03-27 by Sharla
Lamont Mortuary of Globe,
Globe, Arizona

David Windsor Thompson Sr. was born to Joseph Thompson and Agnes (Victor) Thompson on February 6, 1937 in San Carlos, Arizona. He belonged to the Walnut Clan.” As a young boy, David attended the Chilacco Indian School in Chilacco, Oklahoma. He graduated in 1958.He went on to Chilacco Indian Agricultural School and received his degree in Animal Science and Range Management. While in school, he served in the National Guard, with the 45th Infantry Division.

Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Army. He spent 18 months in Nelligen, West Germany and six months in the states. While stationed in Germany, he got to see Elvis Presley. He was Honorably Discharged in 1965.

When he returned home, he helped take care of his elderly mother and found employment as an Underground Miner with the Christmas Mines in Winkleman, Arizona. Later, he met his future wife, the late Julia (Stevens) Thompson.

Together, they built a home in Cutter and raised five sons and five daughters. While working as an underground miner, he was offered a job as Manager of the Dripping Springs Tree Farm. When he came home with the good news, he asked Julia what she thought about it, she said “I want us to have a long happy life together and take the job because the mines is a dangerous place to work and it will not be good for your health in the long run.” David then replied, “Okay, but you just better be ready to live only on beans and fry bread. They laughed together and this was when he became the manager for the program and they moved to the farm.

Throughout his years, he ran for council for the Gilson Wash District. He served three terms and was always proud to say he had served the most years as councilman at the time. He was also a member of the Tonto Cattle Association. He had served many years as Secretary on the board and as President for Tonto Cattle Association. David loved to brand cattle and go on cattle drives.

He would often saddle up and go horseback riding with his friends.

Every season, David loved to take his sons hunting for deer, elk, turkey, and small game animals. One short story, I’d like to share is when he took Joe as a very young boy, deer hunting, Joe was too small so his dad picked him up and sat him high up on a tree and told him to be quiet. Joe saw his dad walk off and then he heard a gun go off; his dad came back, got him and took him back to where his dad had killed the deer; that’s when Joe realized why he was put up in a tree. David enjoyed taking the family on camping and fishing trips to Point of Pines, Dry Lake, and Black River. He also loved to farm.

Every spring, he planted corn, sugar cane, squash, and all sorts of vegetables. He even had an orchard in his backyard; it had peach, apricot, apple, plum, pomegranate, grape and walnut trees. He also raised many chickens and we didn’t have to worry about buying eggs. During his lifetime, he was also involved in the traditional Sunrise dances. He and Julia co-sponsored four dances over the years; therefore, they have three god-daughters; one deceased.

David lived a long life to see all his children graduate from high schools, colleges, and universities; including the grandchildren that went on to continue their education. I’m sure my grandpa had lot of other great and adventurous moments with each and every one of his children that were all special to him, because there are 10 altogether. I don’t think he ever had a dull moment in his whole life because he was a very busy man, never lazy and never bored. Julia always used to say he’s just a workaholic.

David is survived by his sons: Joseph W. Thompson, David A. Thompson Jr., Patrick M. Thompson, Victor J. Thompson, Luke A. Thompson; his daughters: Mary Ann Boni, Dorinda G. Ivins, Lorenda G. Thompson, and Christine M. Thompson.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Julia S. Thompson; his daughter, Rebecca A. Thompson; his infant son, Paul Thompson. His sisters: Genevieve Bylas, Josephine Dosela, and Dorinda Thompson. His brothers: Paul Thompson Sr., Emmanuel Thompson, and Norman Thompson He has 37 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren and 1 great, great granddaughter.

Wake will be held Friday, March 27, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. at Thompson’s residence in Cutter, AZ

Service will be on Sat. March 28, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Burdette Hall in San Carlos.

Interment at the Thompson Family Cemetery at Cutter, AZ.




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