William Lee Thompson

William L. Thompson (“One of the Greatest Generation”) Bill was born on June 20, 1922, in Watseka, IL, and passed away on January 13, 2017, in Mesa, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Beulah Reynolds Thompson; his wife of over fifty years, Marguerite Kiefer Thompson; infant son, Billy; and brothers Ralph and Gene Thompson. Survived by his wife, Barbara Krauchen Weindorf Thompson; son, Donald (Kristina) Thompson of Wynnewood, PA; daughter, Delores (Richard) Maison of Yakima, WA; seven grandchildren, David (Nancy) Thompson, Beth (Martin) Kinsella, Andrea and Pamela Maison, Teresa (Justin) Bigby, Daniel and Paul (Kelley) Maison. Also survived by seven great-grandchildren, as well as several nephews, nieces, and sisters-in-law. Bill was an Air Force pilot during WWII and also flew sixty-seven missions in Korea. He was a B-29 airplane commander and also instructed B-17 and B-24 pilots. He went overseas to Okinawa and North Field, Tinian, where he was attached to the Atom Bomb Group. He was with A. O. Smith Corp. in various managerial capacities. He held positions in Finance, Marketing, Manufacturing, and General Management in their Consumer Products, Landing Gear & Electric Motor Divisions. He was Corporate Vice President & General Manager of the A. O. Smith Meter Systems Division in Erie, PA during the 1970’s. From 1974 to 1976, Bill was President of General Valve Company in Fullerton, CA. From 1976 to 1979, he was with Cordon International, holding the position of Group Vice President, and was responsible for five companies within Cordon, including being President of Cosmodine. He later was named Executive Vice President of the entire corporation. After being retired for almost two years, he then took a position as President & Chief Operating Officer of Applied Solar and soon after was named Chief Executive Officer of Applied Solar. He retired again in 1989 and enjoyed retirement years in Indian Wells, CA and Sun Lakes, AZ. Bill was a kind, most humble, intelligent person with a wonderful personality; everyone enjoyed being with him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Americare Hospice, 1212 N. Spencer St., Ste. 2, Mesa, AZ 85203. On-line condolences may be offered by visiting bbthompson@wbhsi.net. Funeral arrangements will be private.

William Lee Thompson

June 30, 1922 - January 13, 2017