Fred Calvin Thompson

FRED C. THOMPSON VERONA, VA Fred Calvin Thompson, 85, husband of Doris Van Pelt (Hanger) Thompson of 47 Middle River Drive, Verona, died Monday, September 12, 2011 at his residence. He was born January 13, 1926 in Verona, the son of Earl Madison and Lelia B. (McLaughlin) Thompson. Fred was employed with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in Staunton for 38 years, retiring in January of 1989. Subsequently, he was Executive Director of the Staunton Military Academy Alumni Association until June 2002. He was also active in Verona United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, delegate to Virginia annual Conference, Lay Leader, Member of Finance and Parsonage Committees. He also served as Chairperson of the Council on Ministries, Pastor Parish, and Building Committees; additionally, he served on the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees. Fred was a Navy Veteran of WWII, serving in the Pacific, participating in the Battle of Okinawa on a destroyer serving as a "picket ship" in defense of the main fleet of aircraft carriers. He was a member and President of the Beverley Manor PTA, the Augusta Country Club, Men's and Senior Men's Golf Association, the Verona Community Association, and the Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County Central Labor Council. He served as a member and Chairman of the Augusta County Parks and Recreation Commission, Augusta County Transportation Safety Commission, and the Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County March of Dimes. His extensive volunteer work had a significant impact on the lives of men, women, and children in the Verona, Staunton, and Augusta County areas. On March 29, 1948 he married Doris Van Pelt Hanger who survives. Also surviving are his son and daughter-in-law Michael B. and Donna Z. Thompson of Glen Allen and daughter Pamela M. Thompson of Suffolk. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Horace, Norwood, and Virgil Thompson. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, September 16, 2011 in Verona United Methodist Church by the Revs. Robert Weeks, Edward Pruitt, and Jim Harris with burial in Thornrose Cemetery. Friends may call at Henry Funeral Home and other times the family will receive friends at his home, 47 Middle River Drive, Verona. Memorial contributions should be made to Hospice of Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or to Verona United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 47, Verona, VA 24482. Special thanks for his care go to Traci Simmons, and to Hospice of Piedmont including Patsy Lambert, Jessica Robertson, and Erminia Janabio. Active pallbearers are Charles Ralston, Robert Shuler, David McAllister, Johnny Thompson, Earl Shifflett, and Joe Huffman. Honorary pallbearers are Ed Hess, Glen Sutton, Rodney Bussard, Ida Smith, Janette Gordon, Janet McAllister, Barbara Collie, Jean May, Grace McGovern, Mel Holst, Inez Fultz, Robert and Rose Young, members of AGC Senior Golf Association, and Verizon Telephone Co/Pioneers.