Charles "Charlie" J. Thompson

Charles "Charlie" J. Thompson, a beloved son, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025. A proud Navy veteran, devoted father and grandfather, passionate sports enthusiast and avid hunter, lived a life full of adventure and love for his family.

Born on February 13, 1950, to Charles and Maxine (Johnson) Thompson, his journey through this life was one filled with love, service, and dedication to his family and country.

As a young boy, Charlie enjoyed playing baseball, hunting with his dad and brother, and was in the Boy Scouts. At the age of 14, Charlie was awarded the Eagle Scout award.

After Charlie graduated from Topeka West High School in 1968, he joined the United States Navy, and served during Vietnam War, while being on USS Paricutin. He attended Washburn University, where he played baseball. His 25-year marriage to Martha “Martee” Holt, resulted in the birth of their two children, Charlie “Chuck” and Melissa “Missy”. Although divorced, years later, they became good friends and stayed in contact and even helped each other out from time to time

Charlie worked for the City of Topeka in construction, sold real estate, and in his later years, had his own construction company. His love for sports was passed down to his two children and he taught them how to play many sports, with baseball and softball being a love that they would share for years. Charlie even helped his grandchildren in the sports they played. Charlie loved watching his favorite team, The KU Jayhawks play in any sport, not just basketball, which was his favorite. He also enjoyed watching the KC Chiefs as well. In addition to sports, Charlie passed down his passion of hunting and it became a tradition with his son and grandson for many years.

A man of great integrity and generosity, Charlie taught us all the importance of hard work, the joy of the outdoors, the value of family and standing up for yourself. His infectious enthusiasm for life, his sense of humor, and his caring nature made him a wonderful father. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of courage, strength and love. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Those who survive him carry forward his legacy of love and mentorship. Survivors include his children, Chuck Thompson and Melissa (Orlando) McGibboney; grandchildren, Shawn (Jacee) Thompson, Amber Thompson, Faith Boyd, Rayawna Boyd, Bailey Thompson, McKenzie (Josue) Boyd and Ayden McGibboney; five great-grandchildren, Naliyah, Nyla, Nevaeh, Joredin, and Loyal; his mother, Maxine Thompson and siblings, Nancy Kohake, Carol Reynolds and Michael (Susie) Thompson and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Thompson and Cecil Kohake, brother-in-law.

In honor of Charlie's life, friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on March 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka. A funeral service will take place the following day, starting at 11:00 AM, also at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, where those who loved him can come together to celebrate and remember a life well-lived. Following the funeral service, a graveside service with military honors will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.