Robert (Bob) Lee Thompson, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2008 at home in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Bob was born April 4, 1930 in Chillicothe, Missouri, the son of Glen and Mary (Wampler) Thompson.

He was raised in Chillicothe, Missouri where he attended high-school. He left the family farm by joining the Navy in 1948 and served on the U.S.S. Midway. During his service he became a member of the Blue Noses—an award for sailors who sail into the Arctic Circle. He was honorably discharged in 1952. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Richmond, Missouri. He was on the Chillicothe Chain Gang for the Chillicothe High School Hornets for 27 years.

Bob married Imogene (Genie) Elaine Eichler, daughter of R.C and Alta Eichler of Braymer, Missouri the day after Christmas, December 26, 1950 in Harrison, Arkansas.  For a short time they lived in Richmond, Lexington, and Clinton, and then settled in Chillicothe, Missouri where together they raised their three children.

After returning to Chillicothe, he first worked delivering meat for John Graves Food. He started his own carpentry business in 1959, and is best know for his quality carpentry and cabinetry skills.  His sons joined him in the construction business, and together they built dozens of houses in the Chillicothe area.  After semi-retiring from carpentry, he returned to his farming roots and for several years operated his own commercial crop spraying business.  Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time in his shop building toys and furniture for his family and close friends.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed working in his garden, drinking coffee with his friends and spending time at the lake fishing and relaxing. Bob will be remembered as a hard working, generous man, who was always willing to share his smile, his skills, his tools, and his time with anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Leroy, Ralph, Raymond, and Delford; and sister, Delores.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Genie; daughter, Patricia Ferguson and husband Shane of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; son, Robert Michael (Mike) of Chillicothe, Missouri; son Donald Lee and wife Debbie of Chillicothe, Missouri; seven grandchildren, John (Andy), Eric, Lindsey, Haley, Brooke, Abby, and Megan; seven great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Alvin and Delbert both of Chillicothe, Missouri; sister, Mary Katherine Bonderer of Chillicothe, Missouri.
The body has been cremated.  A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the Wheeling Cemetery, Wheeling, Missouri. A family visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, July 25, 2008 at Lindley Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hedrick Medical Center Hospice and the Autism Society of America and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.