THOMPSON, Kenneth (Ken) David

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/01/2016 The Thompson family mourns the death of Kenneth “Ken” David Thompson Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015. His death resulted in complications from Parkinson’s disease. Ken was born March 22, 1932, in his parents’ home in Dearborn, Mich., the second of four children, Laurel, Wesley and Larry. Ken lived in Dearborn until the family moved to the countryside in Livonia, Mich. He attended Plymouth High School, playing on the football team. He also played the tuba in the school band and excelled in shop class. His football skills enabled him to attend Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) with his high school sweetheart, Diane Arscott, who would become his wife after their junior year in college. Ken served nine years in the U.S. Navy, both during and after college. After graduation he taught high school shop classes for two years at Flint Northern High School and for a year at Southfield High School, where he also coached football and wrestling. In 1957 Ken and Diane moved to Mesa with their 1-year-old son, Steve. The family was blessed with two more children, Dave and Teri, while Ken taught industrial arts at Mesa’s two high schools. He was also the voice of Mesa High announcing all home football games and graduation names. In 1970 Ken went to the Arizona Dept. of Education to direct the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. He eventually became director of trade and industrial education for the state of Arizona. In 1987 the Thompson family built a cabin in Nutrioso, and in 1989 Ken retired and moved there full time. He and his wife of 62 years lived together at the cabin for 28 years. During the past several years, Ken suffered with Parkinson’s but is now at peace. Ken lived a long and fruitful life. His wife, Diane, their three children and spouses, four grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and spouses, nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, brothers Wesley and Larry and their families, all mourn his passing. A memorial service was held Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, at the Alpine Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation. To leave an online condolence for Ken’s family, visit www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.