Herbert Joseph Thompson, 84, was born on October 27, 1933 to Adell Thompson, Sr. and Gladys Voorhies Thompson in Kansas City, Kansas. He departed this earth to join his Heavenly Father on November 22, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather Alex Lindsey, and his brother Dr. Adell Thompson, Jr.

Herbert accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. C.H. Pugh at First Baptist Church, 5th & Nebraska, Kansas City, KS. He served on the Usher Board, the Board of Trustees, and was a faithful member until his death.

Herbert's childhood education was in the Kansas City, Kansas School District. He was a graduate of Sumner High School Class of "1951". He was accepted to Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas and during his sophomore year he was drafted into the United States Army. While in the army he married the love of his life, Peggy Ann Howard. Over the course of their marriage, they enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, traveling, and participating in social events.

After serving his country, Herbert earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Kansas State College in Pittsburgh, Kansas. He began his career teaching general science at Central High School for the Kansas City, Missouri School District. He went on to receive his Masters of Science Degree in Education from Central Missouri State University and accepted the position as the Audio Visual Coordinator for Title I Schools. In 1975, he earned an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and began teaching chemistry at Lincoln Academy. He also served as the school treasurer, the Athletic Director, and the girls volleyball coach. Prior to retirement he accepted the position as the Media Specialist and Athletic Director for Van Horn High School.

Herbert has been affiliated with many local community groups and social organizations. He mentored and tutored youth in the community, coached little league basketball at the Thornberry Boys Club, and assisted with the Boy Scouts. He served as President of the Sumner Alumni Association, Knights of the Ivanhoe Club, Sumner Class of 1951, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Lambda Chapter.

After retirement, Herbert served as the Marshall for Swope Parkway Golf Course. He played often with his grandsons, family and friends and was once recognized for getting a hole in one. When he wasn't gracing the golf course, he enjoyed cowboy movies, the science channel, the KC Chiefs, and KU basketball. Herbert had a quiet spirit, but you always knew what he meant and how much he loved you.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Peggy; son Herbert Jr. (Dennie); daughter Marilyn; five grandchildren, Herbert III (Jennie) (AZ), Alton III (FL), Claudia (MI), Jillian (CA), and Tyler (MI); three great grandchildren, Austin, Joseph, and Reina; honorary granddaughter, Christine (Rick) - (Mya, Alisa, Barrick); two sisters, Alma Henson, Overland Park, KS and Cheryl Phillips (Vern), Clearwater, FL; sister-in-law, Jacque Thompson, Overland Park, KS and many nephews, nieces, family, friends and acquaintances.