Obituary of Wayne Lee Thompson
Wayne Lee Thompson 68, passed away of December 18, 2020. Born in Cottonwood, AZ in 1952, Wayne was raised in Phoenix, AZ and attended Camelback High School. In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 803rd Security Police Squadron, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
Wayne served proudly in the Air Force for 25 years, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant, heading the Physical Security Branch at the U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. His career in law enforcement took Wayne on assignments around the world including working with the Tahkli Royal Thai Air Force (1973) during the Vietnam War; Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and George Air Base, California. Highlights of his career included being handpicked to serve as staff for United States Air Force European Command and serving as a war planner and coordinator of security police actions for Operation Desert Storm while serving in Germany.
During his service in the Air Force, Wayne received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University and a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy State University. November 2020, Wayne retired from his second career with Liberty Mutual, where he served as a Business Analyst for 14 years.
As a member of Troop 145, Wayne loved his boy scouting experience and the adventures he had. He earned Eagle Scout, attended the World Boy Scout Jamboree and represented Arizona for the first European Friendship Tour which included participating in Sweden’s National Jamboree. Wayne later served as Assistant Scout Master (Troop 145) and Scoutmaster (Troop 702).
Wayne deeply loved his family. As the family genealogist, Wayne lovingly served as the convener of the Thompson Family reunion and served as its torchbearer. Every three years, the family gathered in locations across Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Oregon, in locations the family help settle, where the family history could be shared with the youngest generations. There was no doubt, Wayne was cherished and deeply loved by his family.
Wayne is pre-deceased by parents Kenneth and Joanne (Foster) Thompson. Survived by his wife of 40 years Victoria (Mueller) Thompson; children Douglas Bohlmann of Portland, Oregon, Tracy Hunt (Eric Nims) of Chandler, AZ, Michael Sneyd (Michelle) of Tucson, AZ, Samantha Thompson (Chad White) of Brandon, FL; sisters Carol Thompson of Tucson. AZ and Judy Bannister (Pat) of Beaverton, OR; grandchildren Cody Ahern, Gabriella and Alexandria Sneyd, and Colton White and great-grandchildren Hayleemae and Aiden Ahern and Mikayla and Matthew Sneyd.
Due to the coronavirus, a memorial service will not be held at this time. Wayne’s life will be celebrated in a private family setting, where his ashes will be scattered in a place he loved.
