KORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME
http://www.kornerstonefunerals.com
They say "ink runs through a newspaper man's veins".... This is so true of Ben F. Thompson who was a dedicated and loyal employee of the Plainview Daily Herald for 48 years. He began working at the Herald while a PHS student (fibbed about his age) sweeping floors and ended his career as the production manager. He took pride in meeting the daunting daily deadline to get the paper to the press. This was a commitment he and his fellow employees upheld every day except Saturday and Christmas Day. The paper was even composed by lantern light during multiple weather disasters. His trademark was the blue printers' aprons that were sewed by his wife and daughter, Stephanie and the ever-present ink under his fingernails until he moved to off- set printing in the new building. He met that challenge along with converting to and learning computer skills. He always told "us kids" we could not work at the Herald until we were tall enough to catch the hopper. It was a proud moment when his daughter, Darci, was tall enough to catch the hopper and later became the online editor of the Amarillo Globe News.
Ben was born to his unique parents Dorothy Faye Plank and Felton Thompson in Big Spring, Texas on July 26, 1936. On December 3, 2024 our beloved Ben was greeted by many loved ones at Heaven's gates. He was born and raised during the Great Depression and like most people at that time had to overcome adversity. Despite the hardships of those early years, Ben, learned the value of resilience, hard work, and determination. Qualities that would define his life and career.
He was a 1955 Plainview High School graduate and a dedicated Bulldog. He also served in the Army National Guard for several years. Daddy was a true fan of local sports, Dallas Cowboys and the TEXAS Rangers, Ben spent countless evenings in the stands, on the sidelines and in the press box. He especially cherished watching and coaching his children and grandchildren's sporting activities as well as being involved with their ACappella choir and band experiences. He was a member of College Heights Baptist Church.
While working as the doorman/night manager at the Granada Theatre he met his high school sweetheart and popcorn girl, Patsy Ruth Garms. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage.
During their 66 years of marriage, they welcomed two daughters, three Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. He cherished being a grandparent. His laid-back demeanor and dry wit led to his well-known nickname. After Landon Ross heard his Ganma (Pat) accuse Ben of being an ole Grump, two-year-old Landon mispronounced it as GUMP and it STUCK!!
Gump was an active member of numerous school and community organizations. He assisted his daughter, Stephanie, on the entertainment committee for the American Cancer Society Cotton Baron's Ball for 11 years and was always a supporter of her classroom activities at College Hill. Ben loved westerns, water skiing, playing black jack in Vegas, cars, sports, music, pecan trees and family vacations, (mostly driving).Though lacking a college education, he was self- taught and became an expert in many facets of life including playing the stock market. He was the calm in the storm, a pillar of strength, and the unsung hero. His nieces and nephews knew him as the quiet, gentle giant who was a success in work and life. He was a "behind the scenes" kind of guy, and his support and generosity was without fanfare.
Though Ben's final edition has gone to press, his story will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Daddy, you have now "eased on out" to your Heavenly home.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents and step-father, E.L. Plank; his most missed wife, Pat; daughter, Darci Rae Heiskell & husband Steve; Son-in-law Troy Thompson; Grandson, Matthew Sweatt; sisters, Dorothy Hawkins and husband Joe, Karen Feagley; Numerous brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and most recently Freada (Thompson) Warren.
Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie Thompson Sweatt & husband David; adoring grandchildren, Landon Ross Thompson and Abby, Zachary Heiskell and Nicole, Madison Heiskell and Joe; his precious Great Grandchildren, Aurora Heiskell, Harvey Ross and Amelia Thompson; several loving Nieces and Nephews and The "OTHER" Thompson family; and his devoted caretaker of 11 years, Amanda Medina.
A memorial service for Ben F. Thompson will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday Morning in the Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel with Mr. Danny Andrews officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the:
PHS athletic Hall of Honor
Make checks payable to: Danny Andrews, 11925 Bellgrove Rd., Burleson, Tx 76028
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