Rev. Sherman Lewis Thompson, 78, also fondly known as "Pops", was born January 14, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Namon and Vivian Thompson. He was the eldest of six children born to Vivian Thompson Lee.

Rev. Thompson accepted Jesus into his heart at an early age. He was ordained in 1973 and went on to serve as a minister at several churches in the Kansas City area including Blue Valley Baptist Church, 44th St. Gospel Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Gethsemane New Testament Baptist Church.

As a child, Sherman displayed artistic imagination and ability. One of his paintings was selected in a competition to be displayed at the Nelson Art Gallery. His favorite scenes to draw were underwater sea life, specifically fish and vegetation.

Sherman attended R.T. Coles High School. After high school, Rev. Thompson immediately went to work for Ford Motor Company as a welder. He worked at Ford for 29 years before retiring to spend time with his family. In 1965, Sherman married the love of his life Mary Jane Wyatt. Together the two raised two sons, owned and operated a day care, maintained a large vegetable garden, and faithfully served in various churches throughout their 38 year marriage.

In addition to raising two sons, Rev. Thompson was a devoted grandfather. He rarely missed a birthday party, basketball game, dance recital, soccer match, piano recital, or school program of any of his four grandchildren.

Rev. Thompson was generous to a fault and could have a conversation about anything with anyone. On any given day, he could be found visiting the homes of his sisters, going to the movies with his brother, or stopping by for a chat with his sons. Sherman's vibrant spirit will be greatly missed.

Rev. Sherman L. Thompson passed away on May 12, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife and his sister, Dianna Miller.

He is survived by two sons, Dominic Thompson (Erin) and Donta Thompson; brother, Roy Thompson; three sisters, Vanilla Lee Ed.D., Jeanette McKinnie (Robert), and Shirley Lecher M.D.; brother-in-law, Cecil Miller, Jr.; four grandchildren, Dominic Thompson II, Eriann Thompson, Ella Thompson, and Cataleya Thompson; road trip buddy and niece, Nina Childs (Richard); and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services Monday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane New Testament Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.