Donald Thompson

Donald M. Thompson of Ogletown passed away after a short illness at his
fiancee’s home on Sunday, May 24 th at the age of 81. He was born in
Putneyville on November 4 th , 1944 to the late Martin and Jane Thompson and
predeceased by younger brother Robert Thompson. He spent most of his
childhood in Phillipsburg until moving to Slippery Rock, where he graduated
from high school in 1962. Using his own experience from growing up on a
farm, Don often worked for local farmers part-time during high school until
enlisting in the Air Force following his graduation. Don told his children he
worked a “desk job” in the Air Force, then years later disclosed that he was a
Russian Radio Intercept Analyst who maintained Top Secret Clearance. He
often spoke fondly of his travels while in the military, with his time in France,
Germany and Scotland being his fondest memories. Don was able to attend
college via the G.I. Bill while stationed, then completed his education in
1970 at Slippery Rock University where he obtained a degree in Secondary
French Education with a minor in Driver’s Education. Following college and
moving to Clearfield, Don briefly worked as a District Executive for the Boy
Scouts of America as well as an Exploring Advisor for the Bucktail Council.
Don then “switched gears” as he would say and entered a career as a Child
Welfare Caseworker with Clearfield County Board of Assistance. Don was
known for being an empathetic professional with a work ethic to match who
could talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. These traits proved to be assets
when he ventured into a career with New York Life Insurance as a salesman.
His efforts rewarded him with the “Million Dollar Round Table”
acknowledgement for being in the top 3% of salespeople in the country and
the top salesman in the northeast. His success was attributed to his
incredible dedication to helping families plan for the future; and he built his
clientele via “word of mouth” and random conversations with strangers while
working on the road. If you knew Don, you know that once you met him,
you were no longer a “stranger;” and he genuinely cared about you and your
well-being. At his time of retirement from New York Life, he was an
Associate Development Manager who had imparted his years of experience
and wisdom upon new trainees. He often received handwritten thank-you
letters from his employees, expressing appreciation for not only his guidance
professionally, but his compassion and encouragement personally. Don
maintained a balance between his professional life and personal life by
fostering his lifelong love for the great outdoors. He grew up hunting and
fishing and enjoyed many experiences with friends and family at camp or
along the rivers and lake shores, including special trips out west and to
northern Maine. Don felt most at peace in nature, where he said he could
“connect with God and the beauty of all he created.” His love and devotion to
Jesus Christ was immensely important to him, and he lived his life as such.

Don also taught Sunday School in his church and was a proud member of
the choir and their seasonal cantata. Always putting others first, Don’s
compassion and generosity spread to those he cared about, both in his
church and immediate family. He was immensely proud of his children and
grandchildren and often traveled many miles to make memories with them.
His goofy personality was a continuous light in their lives, and his undying
support was immeasurable. In addition to hunting and fishing, Don enjoyed
nature walks and long drives with his fiancée, often ending with a stop
somewhere for ice cream. He loved music and history as well, attending
several concerts and events with her through the years. He was an avid bird
watcher, meticulous landscaper, and his attention to detail and organization
knew no bounds. Don’s infectious positivity and caring, peaceful personality
were his greatest gifts; and he will be greatly missed by the people who had
the privilege of knowing him. Don is survived by his fiancée Tanya Fleegle of
Alum Bank, son Travis Thompson of Clearfield, daughter Heather Harmon of
Greensburg, brothers Dennis Thompson and wife Lisa of Kennerdell, Alan
Thompson and wife Gina of Cheyenne, WY, sister-in-law Rhonda Thompson
of Clarion, grandchildren Anastasia Thompson, Natalie Stockman and
husband Tyler of Concord, NH, Benjamin Harmon and fiancée Madisyn
Buteau of Berlin, NH, and several nieces and nephews. At Don’s request,
there will be a memorial service held at Alum Bank Community Church in
Alum Bank at a later date to be determined.

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