Steve Thompson

Steven Frank Thompson, son of the late Allen LeRoy and Dorothy Mae (Frank) Thompson, was born February 27, 1948, in West Plains, Missouri, and departed this life April 14, 2018, at his home in Mountain Grove. He was 70 years, 1 month, and 18 days of age.

Steve started attending school in Teresita, Missouri, then attended Arroll through the 8th grade. He graduated from high school in Summersville. After graduation, Steve worked in St. Louis doing construction work. He married Lois Lynn Garey on June 7, 1968. One son and three daughters were born to this union.

Steve and Lois moved back to Summersville in 1970 and he continued his career in construction. They moved to Springfield for a short time, where he planned and constructed entire subdivisions. He and Lois eventually settled in Mountain Grove. Steve and his brothers built the Wright County Livestock Auction together and operated it for many years. Throughout the years, Steve helped Mountain Grove to grow, building many businesses and homes in the community. He took great pride in being a hardworking man, but he always found time for his family, friends, and neighbors.

Everything he did was for the betterment of his family and community. He was known to help with a laugh and a smile. When he ran into someone, he would always say, “Hi neighbor”. He had advice when asked and usually had a good story to accompany that advice.

Steve was passionate about elk hunting in Colorado, a tradition he participated in for over 40 years. He liked turkey hunting and fishing with his brothers and spending time at the lake with his family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time on his farm and working with his cattle. He was truly a best friend to his children, brothers, and wife. He emphasized the importance of family and had a special bond with all of them. His life’s philosophy was to “Keep On Smiling”.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Winnie Thompson.

He is survived by his wife of their home in Mountain Grove, Lois Thompson, one son, Steve Thompson, Jr and Patti Miller of Mansfield Missouri, three daughters, Stephanie and Brian Fleming of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Shawna and Bryan Gruben of Fordland, Missouri, and Syndee and Josh Hughes of Mountain Grove, Missouri, four grandchildren, Ahsha Fleming, Adalee Hughes, Axden Hughes, Kyndal Gruben, three brothers, Allen and Judy Thompson of Willow Springs, Missouri, Skip and Deanna Thompson and Mike and Julie Thompson all of Mountain Grove, Missouri, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many caring friends, and all those he called “Neighbor”. He will be greatly missed.