Kenneth Allen Thompson, age 83, passed away on June 20, 2024, in Galt,

California. He was born in Fresno, California on April 10, 1941, to Charles and Rose Thompson. 

   He attended French Camp Grammar School and graduated from Manteca High School in 1959. He then attended Stockton Junior College (Delta College) and in 1960, he joined the Navy with his friends, thinking they would serve together. This never happened, as after bootcamp they were each sent to

different places. Ken was a Seabee and was shipped to Okinawa and later was

stationed in Alaska.  Upon returning from the service, Ken worked for Best Fertilizer/Occidental Petroleum Corporation for many years. He then became an owner/operator in trucking while he pursued and obtained his contractor’s license. He worked on many projects and built a home in Jenny Lind, California by himself. In later life,  he worked for Home Depot and was often sought out for his expertise in the building field.

   In addition to being a tradesman, Ken had an appreciation for music and

nature. He really enjoyed classic rock and roll and often had that music playing on the radio. Additionally, he was an avid outdoors man who truly enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and gold panning. He spent many wonderful times with his family enjoying the wonders of the ocean and mountains. This love of nature was cultivated by his time as a youth who was involved in every aspect of Boy Scouts and served as a Den Leader for the younger scouts.

 Ken was a car enthusiast and a master mechanic and he handed down these

traits to his son, daughter and granddaughter. They truly enjoyed working beside him on automobile repairs and restoration.

   Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack and his daughter Kendra. He is survived by his son, Alan Thompson and  daughter-in-law Cammie, daughter Kathy VanSteyn and son-in-law Dave, grandchildren Chelsea, Renee and

Jose, brother Donn Thompson and wife Arlene, sister Marilyn Maloney and

husband Dan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  The most important thing to Ken was his family, and he devoted his life to caring for them. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

   Interment will be at Park View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion, 220 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca, CA 95336, or to a charity of your choice.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, Jun e 29, 2024