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Note: sweb.com/USA/NM/Eddy>) (none specified) 466-07-0478 Texas
Thompson, Ernest C. - March 13, 2002 issue Artesia Daily Press
ARTESIA — Funeral services for Ernest Thompson, former mayor of Artesia, will be 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church.
Thompson, 90, who was mayor of Artesia for 26 years, passed away Tuesday night at Artesia Good Samaritan Center.
Thompson became mayor of Artesia in 1972 and left office for retirement in 1998.
A native of central Texas, Thompson came to Artesia in 1939 to work in the oil and gas industry. He was a purchasing agent with Navajo Refining Co.
During his term as mayor, many infrastructure improvements were made, including a new wastewater treatment plant, water lines, flood protection structures and street improvements. Under Thompson’s administration the city obtained the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, an airport terminal, a community center and a new fire station and law enforcement center. The public library and Senior Center were expanded also under his administration.
Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said Thompson worked effectively at the state and federal levels to win support for Artesia.
"It is appropriate to note that while Ernest Thompson was working as Artesia’s mayor, he was at the same time a dedicated husband and father," Domenici said during an address to Congress commemorating Thompson’s retirement as mayor.
Thompson was honored as a Living Treasure last year by the Artesia Historical Society and Museum.
Thompson, Ernest C. - March 14, 2002 issue Artesia Daily Press Picture <02a_pics/thomps_e.jpg>
Services for Ernest C. Thompson will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Dean Duerksen officiating.
Thompson, of 901 Catalina Dr., a former mayor of Artesia, passed away March 12 at age 90, at Artesia Good Samaritan Center. Burial will be at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cooper Henderson, Royce Pearson, Mike Phipps, Jimmy Boyse, David Matlock and Mack Chase. Honorary pallbearers are: Jack Verhines, John Brown, Bill Gray, Jack Reid, James Guy, Owen Taylor, Sen. Pete Domenici, J. B. Craft, L. G. Henderson, George Gandy, Don Brewer, Doyle Pounds, Fred Simpson, and Floyd Economides.
Thompson was born Oct. 29, 1911 in Carlton, Texas, to James Pendleton Thompson and Leona (McClung) Thompson. He greaduated from Talpa High School in 1929 and attended Howard Payne College in Brownfield, Texas, for two years. He married Grace King Nov. 16, 1942, in Brownwood, Texas. She preceded him in death on Feb. 27, 2002. Thompson came to Loco Hills in 1939, where he was employed by Grayburg Oil Co. He then moved to Artesia in 1947. He was a retired purchasing agent for Navajo Refining Company and served as mayor for 26 years (1972-1998). He was a member of First United Methodist Church, New Mexico Gideon's Society, Rotary Club and spent 40 years in Scouting and with Little League.
Thompson was honored as a Living Treasure on May 6, 2001 by the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center Foundation. The press box at Bulldog Bowl was named in his honor in 1998, where he was public address announcer for 37 years. He also received the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the highest Rotary award to be bestowed.
Survivors include: one son, Robert Thompson of Encinito, Calif.; one brother, James Thompson of Stephenville, Texas; one sister, Miriam Norvell of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren, Robert Thompson Jr., of Encinito, Calif. and Michelle Campbell and husband Josh of Encinito, Calif.; one great-grandson, Conner Campbell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a twin brother, James Erman Thompson and brothers Zannie Tull Thompson and Mark Thompson.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1492, Artesia 88211; Artesia Good Samaritan Center, 1402 Gilchrist Ave., Artesia 88210, or to the charity of choice.
Note: ERNEST C THOMPSON 29 Oct 1911 12 Mar 2002 (V) 88210 (Artesia, Eddy, NM <http://resources.root
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