To Celebrate a Life of Love: Kenneth “Ken” Leroy Thompson
December 13, 1942 – March 13, 2021
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Ken Thompson transitioned from this world into his eternal rest. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, graduated from St. John’s University with a BBA and NYU with his MBA. At St. John’s he met the great love of his life and they built a future together. After living in Brooklyn as a child and young adult, he moved to New Jersey, then Pennsylvania, and finally to San Antonio in 1980. At that time, he earned another MBA at the University of the Incarnate Word. As a kid in Brooklyn, he loved to play stickball and hang out with his friends. He loved to tell stories of those early days, publishing them on the Brooklyn Board page. He was a pioneer in the utilization of computers in the 1960’s and assisted many companies in converting their business systems to digital platforms. He spent many years of his professional career at USAA working in Information Management. While his professional accomplishments were many, his wife, children, and grandchildren were the center of his world. He did all things with great love.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Marion Thompson, as well as many friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joanne. Theirs was a love for the ages. Ken is also survived by his daughter, Kristen Williams (Keith), son, Kyle Thompson (Amy) ; sister, Virginia Jones (Bob); grandchildren: Kathryn Williams, Kenneth Logan Williams, Reagan Thompson, and Cole Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves behind a vast number of friends, including his best friend, Darrell Nichols (Linda).
Ken was always willing to help folks. For years he washed dishes on Sundays at SAMM Shelter, he bought countless winter coats for an elementary school where kids live in poverty, supported both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He paid for field trips, shoes, and food for kids in need. He donated his time and money generously. If you are so moved, in lieu of flowers, we encourage you to do something nice in his honor. Make a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Volunteer. Make amends and build a friendship. Buy food or drink for a stranger. Most importantly, love your people.
A memorial Mass will be held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd. on March 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Due to safety concerns, we encourage you to join us online instead of in person. Services will be streamed at Ken Thompson – Funeral Mass of Memorial – YouTube Our family thanks you.