Lt. Col. Rufus Buell (Tommy) Thompson

Born September 16, 1919, Lt. Col. Rufus Buell (Tommy) Thompson, USMC ret., passed away peacefully at 95 years of age on October 22, 2014 following a major stroke. He remained active, inquisitive, and optimistic right to the end of his long and productive life. We sorely miss Dad and Mom and are so thankful for their love and devotion to us.

Dad’s military career spanned from 1937 to 1961, with many interesting assignments. Subsequently, Tommy continued with an administrative career in the aerospace industry followed by an enjoyable 35 years of country living raising avocados and fruit in Fallbrook. He and his wife, Betty, loved living in the Fallbrook area and spent their final years in Irvine at Regents Point near family where they thrived and made many new friends.

Tommy and Betty are survived by their two children and three grandchildren: Sue, Mike, and Luke Sanders; Robert, Patti, Kyla, and Sierra Thompson. A more detailed remembrance, memoirs, and photos of Tommy’s military career can be found at http://www.thompsonsanders.com.

A military interment at Miramar National Cemetery is scheduled on the Marine Corps birthday, November 10, 2014 at 1 p.m.