Gary G. Thompson
November 13, 2010
Thompson, Gary G., 78, former WSU head basketball coach and Pizza Hut franchisee, passed away November 13, 2010. Private family service. Gary, a long time resident of Wichita, retired along with his wife Betty to California. Betty and Gary were visiting Wichita to attend their 60th class reunion of East High School when he fell ill. Along with Betty, his wife of 57 years, Gary is survived by his children, Paul Thompson and Laurel Thompson, both of Tucson, AZ and Cory Thompson (Karen), of Wichita; grandchildren, Lenny, Gary, Kelly, Nicki, Jamie, Dante and Sara; great-grandchildren, Tridon, Caleb and Andrew; brother, Keith Thompson (Claire Childress) of Westminster, CO; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother Merrill. Betty and her children would like to thank all their wonderful longtime Wichita friends for a lifetime of precious memories and sustained friendships. A memorial fund has been established with the American Diabetes Association, 837 South Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67211. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Betty, Cory, Paul,Laurel & your families, Oh my goodness my deepest heartfelt sympathy to each and every one of you for the loss of Gary last month. I just found out about this from an email that Sandy Thompson Torre sent to me. I don’t know what to say other than the FACT that Gary was such a nice man and very talented. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to see Gary and you all at Aunt Vera’s birthday and also at her memorial services since I hadn’t seen you all in such a long time. If there is anything that we can do for any of you, please call on us. God Bless You All, Nancy Thompson Kohake and Maxine Thompson
Betty and family, We send our condolences and reflect on the GREAT TIMES we had with basketball at WSU. It was so good to see you in 2005. May fond memories help to comfort all of you.
Dear Betty and Family: Words cannot express how I feel about the loss of Gary. The suddenness of his illness and death put you and the family at a loss to understand ‘why’. Your only consolation is that he is at peace and will be free of pain. I saw Dee Heller at the game last night and told her the gang was in Heaven telling jokes on what the coach was doing wrong. They had a beautiful tribute to Gary and a minute of silence. The crowd was standing at attention and then clapped long and hard for all he had done for Wichita State University and putting them in the lime light in basketball. Betty , may you find the peace and strength in your recovery from your loss. Dorothy Harmon 2418 N Belmont Wichita, KS 67220
Betty, Cory, Paul & Laurel, I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was so dear to our family. We could never thank him enough for the opportunities he presented to us. He was a great boss and friend, and our family will never forget him. With my deepest sympathy,
I want to wish you our deepest condolences at this difficult time from your Shocker family. We wish you the best and know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Respectfully, Eric L Sexton Director of Athletics Wichita State University
Dearest Cory, Karen, and family, What a tragic loss for Wichita and your family. I’ve so many fond memories of your father. He was determined, talented, dedicated, and a true leader. His skills and abilities brought great pleasure to many of us. You no doubt have many fond memories of him that will sustain you. Hold onto those memories – they are a permanent part of you and will always be there for you to enjoy. My thought and prayers and with you and your family. Fondly, jinx
Dear Betty, Laurel, Paul & Cory, I am so sorry for your loss. I have known your family since Laurie & I were in 4th grade. So many good memories at your home over our school years. I remember going to a basketball game with you while your Dad/Gary was a coach. I was in total awe. I thought I had hit the big time. He was a very generous & kind man. Please except my deepest & heartfelt sympathy. You are all in my prayers. Love Taylor
Gary–you were a great guy and a superb athlete. You were a real keeper–I’m sad that we couldn’t keep you.
Aunt Betty, Paul, Laurel and Cory, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We have wonderful memories of Uncle Gary through the years. Love, Brad and Sandra Thompson
Betty , I always enjoyed talking w/ you at the reunions, so sorry that this one will not be the happiest of memories. This was a full year for losing the good ones. My prayers for you and your family.
‘And he will lift you up on Eagles wings’ Flight 50 forever