Benjamin "Ben" M. Thompson

Benjamin M. "Ben" Thompson of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, June 1, 2014 in Waldron, Arkansas. Ben was born April 19, 1929 in Polk County Arkansas to Frank Thompson and Minnie Lynn Martin Thompson. Ben was 85 years, 1 month and 13 days old.

Ben graduated from Mena High School in 1947 after enlisting in the United States Army in September of 1946. He faithfully served his country for 22 years. Upon retirement, he completed both a BS and MS degree at the University of Arkansas. Ben taught industrial education at Gardner Jr. High School in Russellville, Arkansas for 17 years. Ben was a kind and caring man who could fix anything. He loved to travel and see new sights.

Ben leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Joyce Grimes Thompson of Waldron, Arkansas, one daughter, Mechelle Bailey and husband Jeff of Fayetteville, Arkansas, one granddaughter, Madysen Bailey of Fayetteville, Arkansas and one step daughter, Susan Herald and husband Michael of Lake Country British Columbia Canada, and one sister, Ann Swaty of Friendswood, Texas. Ben will be missed by all who knew him and the many whose lives were impacted by him including a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Ben is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Jerry Ammons Thompson, his parents, Frank and Minnie Thompson, two brothers, Frank Thompson and John Thompson.

Ben's life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Interment will follow in the Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Ben's pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be gentlemen from Wednesday Morning Men's Prayer Breakfast.

Ben's visitation will be Wednesday, June 4, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ben Thompson Scholarship For Future Educators, c/o Russellville Community Scholarship Program, 2203 South Knoxville, Russellville, AR, 72802.

Cemetery Details