THOMPSON, Harley Alvin

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Thursday, September 03, 2015 Harley Alvin Thompson 1924-2015 Harley Alvin Thompson died peacefully surrounded by family in Sedona, Arizona, on August 29, 2015, at the age of 91. Harley was born August 7, 1924, in Cottonwood, Arizona, to Alvin Maurice and Fern Melissa Thompson. At the age of 18, Harley enlisted in the US. Navy during WWII, where he served four years in the South Pacific aboard the USS Conway. After returning from the service, Harley started his 28-year career with the Arizona Highway Patrol. At the age of 21, he was the youngest patrolman to ever be hired by the Arizona Highway Patrol, and at 29, the youngest to ever be promoted to Captain and later Major. Harley was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman; and a beloved husband, father, and friend. Harley is survived by his wife, Charly Thompson; daughter and son-in-law, Chynnene and David Blackwell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Tillie Kane; his best friend, hunting buddy of 50 years, and God-parents to his daughter, Bill and Louise Chewning; extended family and many friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, at 11 a.m., at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,160 Mormon Hill Road, Sedona AZ. Internment will be at Prescott National Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Faulker, Dr. Arthur and Betsy at Verde Valley Medical Clinic; and also to Patty, Paula, Joanna, Gwen, Carol, and Susie at Hospice Compassus. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Arizona Highway Patrol & Department of Public Safety Heritage Museum 2029 W. Cambridge Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009-1949 Information provided by survivors.