Robert Leo Thompson

Robert Leo Thompson, age 82, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Western Prairie Senior Living in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born on December 24, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Roy Martin and Chloe Mary (Bandy) Thompson.

Robert attended grade school in Arnett, Oklahoma. His family moved to Woodward, Oklahoma, in 1951 where he completed his primary education in 1959. He served in the US Army Reserve from 1958 – 1993. Robert married Dolly Hill on December 28, 1961, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Woodward. He then earned his Bachelor of Science degree from NWOSU and his master’s degree in education and curriculum from Kansas State University. Robert taught school at Skyline High School in Pratt from 1965-1968. His family moved to Ulysses, and he was a teacher and counselor at Ulysses High School from 1969 until his retirement in 2006. Robert was a former ELKS and Kiwanis member, and current member of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the American GI Forum, Knights of Columbus, and Pastoral Council. Robert was very passionate about his faith, his family, and education. In the past, he was a DJ at KULY radio station known as “Rockin’ Robert” playing 50’s and 60’s music.

Robert is survived by his son, Chris Thompson and wife, Renee of Salina, Kansas; daughters, Carri Torchia of Denver, Colorado, and Cynthia Schultz and husband, Marion of Ulysses, Kansas; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Martin and Chloe Mary Thompson; and his wife, Dolly in 2013.

Rosary will be Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM and Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM both at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas, with Reverend Eric Gyamfi officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery with military rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Visitation is Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church Scholarship Fund or Parkinson’s Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.