Obituary of Joe Thompson

Memorial services for Joe Thompson, 86, of Abernathy, Tx., were held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 13, 2002, in the First Baptist Church, Abernathy, Tx., with Rev. Mike Wilcox and Rev. John Lowrie officiating. Burial was in the Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy, Tx. Mr. Thompson died on Monday, February 11, 2002 in Lubbock, Tx. He was born on December 23, 1915 in Leonard, Tx. and moved to Abernathy in 1922 with his family. He married Ruby Mauldin on December 22, 1934 in Abernathy. He founded Joe Thompson Implement in 1944 and co-founded Yellow House Machinery in Lubbock and Amarillo, Tx., and Southwest Textiles in Abernathy. Mr. Thompson joined the Abernathy Lions Club in 1945 as a Charter member. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and has served as a deacon in the Abernathy First Baptist Church since 1946. He also served as President of the Abernathy Chamber of Commerce from 1966 until 1967. He served as honorary member of the Abernathy Young Farmers and served on the Finance Board of Hardin Simmons University and the Southern Baptist Convention. The Abernathy Ex-Student Association honored Mr. Thompson as a distinguished alumni, and in 1974 he was honored as Outstanding Citizen by the Abernathy Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Thompson was an avid sports fan and was an honorary member of the Abernathy Baseball Association, and supported all Abernathy Sports and Texas Tech University Sports. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Thompson of Abernathy, Tx. 1 son, Harold Thompson and his wife Cheryl of Lubbock, Tx. 2 daughters, Jane Phillips and her husband Dick of Lubbock, Tx., and Pat Chapman and her husband Artel of Clovis, N.M. 3 brothers, Pete Thompson of Abernathy, Tx., Fred Thompson of Olton, Tx. and L. O'Brien Thompson of Amarillo, Tx. 9 Grandchildren 7 Great Grandchildren The family suggests memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church, Building Fund, 411 - 7th Street, Abernathy, Tx., 79311 or to the Texas Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 5665, Lubbock, Tx., 79408, or to a favorite charity. To view other online obituaries log onto Abell Funeral Home