Richard Linn Thompson

Richard (Dick) Linn Thompson, Sr.

Memorial services for Richard “Dick” L. Thompson, Sr. will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday in the Sien-Shelton Funeral Home Chapel.

Dick Thompson, age 75, of Skiatook, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2017 at his Skiatook residence. Born January 30, 1942 in Madill, Oklahoma, Dick was the proud son of Edwin I. and Josephine (Long) Thompson. Dick grew up and received his education in Bartlesville and the St. John Military Academy in Salina, Kansas. He married the love of his life, Theda Willcox on January 20, 1962 in Hominy, Oklahoma. He clearly recognized that the best decision he ever made was to marry Theda and he thought she was greatest woman he ever knew. Living in Skiatook most of their lives, Dick worked in sales and was self-employed in janitorial services.

Dick did very little in his life halfway and poured himself into those things which interested him. His passion for sports was unmatched. He was constantly the ring leader in the neighborhood whether it was football, soccer or basketball and the Thompson yard was constantly full of pick-up games and impromptu football and soccer matches. A champion of his children’s sports, he spent long happy hours coaching his two daughters and son. He never met an official that he didn’t holler at from the sidelines, but he also never met a child that he didn’t believe he could help improve and he understood the rewards of dedication and hard work. He had many coaching successes in soccer, winning the state championship in 1979 for the Under 16 girls soccer team with his daughter Stacey and winning the Under 12 Green Country Soccer Association Championship with his son, Richie. He was one of the founding members of the Skiatook soccer club and a devotee of the Tulsa Roughnecks during their tenure in town.

Dick’s passion for football translated to supporting his son and the Skiatook football team. As the president of the Skiatook Quarterback Club, he tirelessly raised funds for the team. He spent countless hours practicing with his son, Richie, and never missed a single high school football practice let alone a game. His dedication helped his son secure a Division I full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin to play football, an achievement of which he was extremely proud.

Always proud of his children’s achievements, another highlight for him was watching his eldest daughter, Stephanie, receive her advanced degree in nursing to become a clinical nurse specialist.

A dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, he spent many hours boasting about his team and its success, and equally as many hours in later years yelling at the TV when disappointed. He loved to debate politics. Frankly, he loved to debate anything and was extremely well read, intelligent and thoughtful. He believed you should have an opinion and stand up for the things you believe in and you never had to wonder where he stood on a topic.

He was also a strong father figure to not only his kids but his grandchildren who looked up to him. They knew they could count on him to have their backs and could call day or night and he would be there to support them and listen. A symbol of strength, he will have a lasting impact on each of them for the rest of their lives.  

He also enjoyed wood-working, making the Skiatook Bulldog Mascot plaque that graced the face of the press box for many years. And he loved gardening up until his final days, raising the perfect vegetables. In fact, it would be a challenge to eat a better tomato than those which came from his garden.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother and father, 1 brother and 1 sister. He is survived by his wife Theda, 3 children: Stephanie (Calvin, deceased) Bates, Stacey (Steven) Guffey and Rich (Ann) Thompson, 8 grandchildren, 6 great- grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family of Dick Thompson entrusted his care and services to Sien-Shelton Funeral Home.

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