Howard Chester Thompson, 84, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away on Oct. 7, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.
Howard was born on May 2, 1940, to Chester W. and Ines (Standley) Thompson in Cherokee, KS. He married Sherry Elaine Simoncic on Dec. 20, 1958, in Vinita, OK. She survives of the home. He graduated in 1958 from Crawford County High School, Cherokee, KS, where he played football and basketball. His love of sports would continue after high school by playing competitive fast-pitch softball. Howard was a co-owner of Bowlus School Supply and Bowlus Sporting Goods. After operating the sporting goods store for 35 years, he retired in 2002. Throughout his time at Bowlus, he sponsored many youth sports teams, supported local high schools, Pittsburg State athletics, and was the guy to see when you went into the store. Howard served on the Board of Directors at Bank of Minden, Mindenmines, MO., First State Bank, Commerce, OK, Bank of Wyandotte, Wyandotte, OK, and the Chicopee Community Foundation. He was also a longtime member of Crestwood Country Club. In his spare time, Howard enjoyed playing golf and working outdoors by taking care of his yard and cutting wood. He loved watching Kansas Jayhawk Basketball, Kansas City Chiefs Football, and listening to the Kansas City Royals. Membership was held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Frontenac, KS.
In addition to his wife Sherry, of Pittsburg, KS, he is survived by two daughters, Shelli Thompson (Curtis Pasmore) of Olathe, KS and Amy Gray (Ron) of Girard, KS; three grandchildren, Kolter Krumsick (Kaitlin) of Kansas City, MO, Tyler Gray (Shyanne Dunn) of Arma, KS, and Megan Gray Paoni (Ted) of McKinney, TX; four great grandchildren, Leo Krumsick, Henry Krumsick, Jovie Gray, and Austyn McGuire; and two brothers, Gary Thompson and Roger Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kenneth Thompson, a sister, Caroldene Lovelady, three brothers Harold Thompson, Donald Thompson, and John Daris Aubert.
Funeral services will be at Brenner Mortuary on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at 11 a.m., with Father Larry Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories. The rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m., prior to the service. Memorial donations can be made to the Kenneth Howard Thompson Scholarship at Pittsburg State University. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
