R.C. Thompson
R.C. "Dick" Thompson, 90, a retired salesman who "never met a stranger" died July 27, 2002, at Marion.
The youngest of 15 children, including half-brothers and half-sisters, he grew up deep in the piney woods of east Texas, born Sept. 17, 1911, at Sash, Texas.
He grew up on his father's cotton farm. When the father died in 1929 Dick quit school and took over responsibilities of the operation, which included running the company store.
Following devastating floods, the family moved to Houston. He became a photographer, later a door-to-door milk salesman representing dairies, a diaper service, during World War II he worked in the shipyards as a pipe fitter, and eventually became a wholesale meat salesman.
Always active in church work, he served as a board member, Sunday school teacher, and as a youth leader. The Blackman home often was a popular place for teen-agers to gather and enjoy sock hops.
He also helped establish and construct a baseball and softball park in the Fairbanks community.
Dick and Pearl moved to Marion in 1982, after visiting their daughter Peggy and decided it was a better place for them to live than the huge city of Houston.
He became active in Marion Senior Center, delivered hot meals, helped with the newsletter, game nights, and as a willing volunteer.
Services were held July 31 at Zeiner Funeral Home with burial in Marion Cemetery. The Rev. David Branson and Dick Pracht officiated. Ralph Noriega was the vocalist and Shirley Bowers the organist.
Casket bearers were Christopher Blackman, Charles Tajchman, Leon Cogburn, Jason Marek, Heath Tajchman, and Brenton Thompson.
Memorial funds have been established in his name at St. Luke Living Center and Marion Senior Center.
