Thompson was born in Los Angeles to Charles Sheldon and Lillie Esther (nee Magie) Thompson. He served as a Merchant Marine in World War II.
He went on to work as a teacher at Westminster College and the University of Utah, earning a Ph.D.
After teaching in Utah, Thompson worked as a mineralogist for various corporations, including Union Carbide and R.T. Vanderbilt.
He continued as an industrial consultant after retiring.
Thompson was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Bruce; his first wife, Vera; and a son-in-law, Cliff Ross.
He is survived by his second wife, Linda; a daughter, Lynn Setesak and her husband Scott; a son, Charles of Tucson, Ariz.,; a daughter, Katherine Ross; and five grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jerome’s Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk, on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m.
A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road E., Westport.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a favorite charity in his memory.
For directions or to post online condolences, go to www.magnerfuneralhome.com.
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