Daniel O. Thompson

Daniel Otis Thompson, 87, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at his residence.

Mr. Thompson was born March 1, 1922 in Poplar Bluff and was of the Baptist faith. He graduated from the Ranken School of Engineering in St. Louis and was a design engineer for Lockheed Aircraft. Mr. Thompson was a space exploration enthusiast and a concerned citizen for the planet Earth. He was also a veteran of the U. S. Army. Mr. Thompson enjoyed spending time with his family, boating, camping, fishing, gospel music, photography and animals.

On Dec. 5, 1942 he was married to Anna Marie Miller in St. Louis. She preceded him in death on Aug. 14, 2006.

Survivors include his daughter, Kathleen Dry and husband David of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren: Shannon Valencia and husband Tefera Leka Daniel Valencia and Tiffany Valencia; two great-grandsons: Zachary Leka and Joseph Leka; a sister, Betty Sorrells of Poplar Bluff; and a brother, Bob Thompson of Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Thompson was also preceded in death by his parents, Tony Edward and Gracie Isabelle (Hicks) Thompson, sisters, Bertha Thompson, Elsie Harwell, Lillian Schultz and Lessie Harwell, and brothers, Loyd Thompson, Paul Thompson, Joe Thompson, Jim Thompson and Everette Thompson.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday Jan. 8th in the Chapel with Pastor James R. Healy officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.