Robert Thompson | Obituary | Terre Haute Tribune Star

Robert Paul Thompson

July 30, 1938 –
August 8, 2021

PINEHURST, NC – The world lost a true gentleman on August 8, 2021. Robert Paul Thompson died after fighting valiantly against the gruesome effects of a stroke that stole so much of his final years. Bob is deeply missed by his lovable 35-year-old wife, Donna Thompson, who has cared for him lovingly for the past seven years.
His two stepchildren, Stephen Trego (Courtney) of Conway, South Carolina, and Jane Trego (Michael Pfister) of Zionsville, Indiana, considered Bob to be a father. They loved and admired him very much. Bob leaves behind his former wife, Deanna Mott of Terre Haute, Indiana, and their two sons, Bobby Thompson (Robin) of Brazil, Indiana, and Jay Thompson (Dove) of Vancouver, Washington. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Kalee Thompson of Terre Haute and his brother Al (Marylou) of Georgetown, Texas. He leaves behind his nephews and niece Brad, Michael and Jeff Thompson and Brenda Lister. His grandchildren, who will miss him very much, are Jack and Will Pfister, Murphy and Tatum Trego, and Alex and Micheala Thompson. He is also mourned by Paul Schumpert of Terre Haute, Indiana.
Robert Thompson was born on July 30, 1938 in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1956 he graduated from Garfield High School before going to Indiana University. While at Indiana University, he was a member of the I-Men’s Club and received a university letter. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, Bob taught and coached in high schools in California, Illinois, and Indiana for 15 years. Bob moved to college in 1977 at Rose-Hulman Polytechnic College, where he coached many athletes to All American Honors and his track and field teams won eight consecutive conference titles under his leadership. While at Rose-Hulman, he was named Indiana Track Coach of the Year in 1985 and became a member of the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
Bob was an assistant football coach for six years before being named head coach of the team and athletic director of the college. In 1986, Bob was selected by the United States Military Academy to coach the West Point Lightweight Football Team and became one of the most successful coaches in league history. Over the course of its 12 seasons, his team achieved an impressive win rate of over 80%. In addition to his duties as head coach, Bob was Associate Athletic Director at West Point. Coach Thompson was loved by his cadets, who admired him for his indelible work ethic, integrity, and empathy. Many years after his retirement, those he directed and trained in the Army reached him with frequent calls and letters of love, support, and gratitude, not to mention the many requests for his advice and valued opinion years after his tenure ended .
Bob’s passion for golf called his name so loud that he retired to Pinehurst, North Carolina. Bob was content with “spoiling” a good walk seven days a week. He never met a course that he didn’t like. During this time he enjoyed working in the Admissions Department at Sandhills Community College for two years. Robert Thompson was one of the most honorable, successful, kindest, and noblest men who ever existed. Anyone who had a relationship with Bob immediately became a better person. He loved life and family, but he also loved a good burger, old movies, ice cream and endless Coca-Colas.
The family will be given quests to celebrate Bob’s life at 404 E. Love Forty Drive, Pinehurst, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 25th.
Donna Thompson would like to express her sincere thanks to the wonderful team at First Health Hospice and Palliative Care. They made this difficult time so much easier with their kindness and care. If desired, friends and family can post to this lovely group at 251 Campground Road, West End, NC 27376.
The family is entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home – Aberdeen.

Published on August 15, 2021