Howard 'Tommy' Thompson Obituary The obituary below tells you what dad did, but it does not fully describe who he was. Dad was one of the greatest men Ive ever known. He was kind, humble, gentle, funny. A friend to everyone he met. He had more friends than I can count. He had a wonderful sense of humor and used it well. There are countless hilarious stories, pranks, and shenanigans with friends and family. Stories from hunting, fishing and snow skiing trips, jeeping and just plain everyday living. He taught everyone a workday can be fun if you make it that way. He would do hours of work, "fun", to turn something into a very special event. Our memories are rich because he went the extra mile to make every moment special. He made everyone feel like they were his best friend, and he was so excited to be with them. I loved watching him laugh because he laughed with every fiber of his being. He was driven to be the best provider he could be for his family. He had a vision for leaving a legacy financially, instilling family and Christian values, and providing a place to gather for years to come. He accomplished that vision, but for us, it was just the joy of having him for a dad. Throughout each chapter of his life, he made his relationship with Jesus known to all he met. My dad was the best and I will miss him terribly. I praise God that through Jesus I will get to see him again and forever, enjoy his amazing personality. Did I happen to mention, he was the best. Howard D. (Tommy) Thompson was born on Feb 1, 1919 to Henry and Olive Thompson, on the farm in Hanson County, Plano Township, Fulton, South Dakota. Tommy is the fourth child out of seven children. He passed November 29, 2020, 63 days short of his 102 birthday. Tommy attended Plano Consolidated High School in Mitchell South Dakota, graduating in 1937. In the fall of 1937, he came to Nampa to attend Northwest Nazarene College to begin his Freshman year. By 1941 he had completed his 3rd year of college and the Civil Aeronautics Program at NNC, earning his private pilots license. After his Junior year he worked in Alaska during the summer break constructing an airfield in preparation for war, returning then to NNC for the fall semester. December 7, 1941 brought many changes. Tommy returned home to South Dakota where after one week he went to Fort Snelling in Minneapolis Minnesota with friends to take the entrance exam for the Air Corp Reserve, Aviation Cadet. A couple of weeks later he went back to Fort Snelling for a physical exam then home again to wait. On April 23, 1942 he was officially enlisted. While training in the Mitchel B-25 Twin engine bomber, on his solo attempt, an engine failed, but he successfully brought the plane back without damage, difficult even for experienced pilots. He was deployed with the (Air Apaches) 500th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group. First Lieutenant Thompson flew the B-25 for 39 missions in the Pacific Theater as either the squadron leaders wing man or first in command on low level bombing and strafing attacks. He survived and successfully returned two badly shot up airplanes one of which had over 200 bullet holes, a missing engine, one tail missing, hydraulics not functioning and no landing gear. His Squadron commented to us that he always had a New Testament in his pocket and prayed before each mission. Tommy received an Honorable Discharge Certificate Feb. 2, 1945. Tommy returned to NNC in the fall of 1945 to finish a business degree, graduating in 1946. His Senior year he served as Dean of Men at the college. In his senior year he met Helen Yeend of Walla Walla, WA. and were married June 30, 1946. While living in Nampa, Idaho, their children Charley and Patty were born. They were members of First Church of the Nazarene. He served as Board Member, usher, and greeter. He served his community through Lions Cub. He was an investor and worker for Victory Cove and Trinity Pines church camps. His love for kids to have fun, play, and receive Christ was very dear to his heart. He worked at Case Furniture through his college years until he bought his own business. From 1949-1979 he opened Thompsons Oil Company. No one knows how many thousands of NNC and community people were taken care of by Thompsons Oil but 125 NNC Students completed their college education by working at the station. Together they loved and supported NNC with the "Thompson Family Ministerial Scholarship" and a land endowment. Tommy received the Emerson Award from NNU 2002 for his love and service to the University. Tommy and Helen were married 53 years until her death in 1999. Tommy met Trude Conrad 2003 at church and they were married April 8, 2004. They enjoyed 16 years together until Tommys passing. They served as volunteers at NNU and enjoyed going to sporting events, concerts and special events. They were faithful and involved at Nampa First Church. They loved hosting many friends and family in McCall. Tommy is survived by his Wife, Trude Conrad Thompson, Eagle; his son, Charles Thompson and his wife, Marietta, Eagle; his daughter, Patricia Thompson Hills and her husband, David, Nampa and; his step son, Kent Conrad and his wife Kay, Eagle. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Randae Hills Paul and Jeremy, Meridian, Jeff Hills and Ashley, Boston, Katherine Thompson Larson and Matthew, Boise, David Thompson, Eagle, and step grand daughter, Jennifer Conrad Galloway and Greg, Spokane. As well as his great grandchildren: Judah Paul, Sage Larson, Harrison Hills, River Larson, step great grandchildren: Karyn Galloway, Ben Galloway, Alyssa, Miles & Eden Paul. His 106 year old sister, Esther Michaelis, Nampa; .brothers, Raymond Thompson, Mitchell, South.Dakota and Donald Thompson, Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the NNU Thompson Family Ministerial Scholarship Fund, 623 University Blvd, Nampa, ID 83686; Expansion International, 5400 W. Franklin Rd. Suite J, Boise, ID 83705; Trinity Pines, 55 SW 5th Ave., Meridian, ID 83642 or the Boise Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1494, Boise, ID 83701. A private service was held on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com Services Visitation Thursday December 3, 2020 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651 Private Services