Dr. Kenneth Thompson, Age 80

Dr. Kenneth LeRoy Thompson, only child, born March 25, 1936 to Ina Margarette (Kindler) and Harold Thompson of Esbon, Kansas. He departed this life on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Nebraska at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 27 days.

Kenneth attended Esbon Elementary and often recalls sitting at the top of the slide when the ammunition dump exploded in Hastings, Nebraska. In 1946, they moved to Guide Rock, Nebraska where he attended a one-room stone school house. He went on to graduate from Guide Rock High School in May, 1954. He briefly attended Hastings College and then Fairbury Junior College where he played football for the Fairbury Bombers for two years. At that point, he returned to the farm to help his father, Harold, and Uncle, Claude Thompson, with farming when Harold's hand was badly injured in an auger accident.

Kenneth eventually continued his education at Kansas State University where he majored in pre-veterinary medicine where he met the love of his life, Evelyn Bogenhagen.

On June 3, 1963 he was united in marriage with Evelyn Bogenhagen at the United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs, Kansas. He graduated from K-State with his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1965.

Kenneth and Evelyn purchased the Guide Rock Veterinary Clinic and operated the practice until selling it in 1981. At that time, Dr. Thompson became an associate at the Animal Hospital in Superior, Nebraska. He went on to become sole owner and specialized in both large and small animals.

Often hiring young people with an interest in veterinary medicine in the practice was important to Dr. Thompson. He mentored many high school students, veterinary technicians and veterinary students. Kenneth was proud of his work to help students. He enjoyed getting them interested in veterinary medicine, exposing them to the positive aspects as well as the challenges.

Kenneth raised sheep for many years and sold them for show in 4-H and FFA projects. He served as superintendent of the sheep show at the Nuckolls County Extension Board. Dr. Thompson has written journal articles on leptospirosis in sheep and many articles for national goat publications.

Kenneth has been very active in his community. His civic involvement includes serving many years on the Guide Rock City Council, on the Nuckolls County Extension board and memberships in the Lions Club and Elks Lodge. He was especially proud of his leadership in coordinating several successful Lions Club Toy Shows to raise money and helping start the senior center nutrition site in Guide Rock.

Dr. Thompson's professional involvement includes memberships in the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Small Ruminants (i.e., pigs and sheep, etc.). In 2007, Dr. Kenneth Thompson was honored with the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine 2007 Alumni Recognition Award for his work with students.

A loving husband, father and grandfather; his most precious memories were laughing and telling stories with his family and taking family and friends to K-State games. Kenneth and Evelyn were blessed with two children, Darren and Michelle. Kenneth especially enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren and really enjoyed helping all of his grandchildren show sheep in 4--H and FFA. One year, they took 24 lambs to the State Fair.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Evelyn and his children, Darren and Jessica Thompson of Guide Rock and Michelle and Sam Widger of Kearney; Kenneth's eight grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud of, Aaron Thompson of Guide Rock, Adam Widger of Chadron, Amanda Thompson of Blue Hill, Anya and husband Matt Waters of Manhattan, Kansas, Zach Widger of Kearney, Allison Thompson of Salina, Kansas, Megan Widger of Lawrence, Kansas and Hannah Widger of Omaha, Nebraska and one great grandchild, Hallie Thompson of Blue Hill and many other friends and relatives.

A MEMORIAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE GATHERING: Monday, October 31, 2016 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm

LOCATION: Guide Rock School Gym, Guide Rock, Nebraska

PRIVATE FAMILY INURNMENT: Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas

VISITATION: Friends may call or stop by to view Kenneth on Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Following the viewing it was Kenneth's wishes to be cremated.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978, 402-879-3900

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA