Derrill C. Thompson of Beaumont passed away on Monday, December 21, 2009, at his residence.  After 93 years on this earth, Popsi joins the love of his life in heaven.

He was born December 11, 1916, in Wellsville, Missouri to Matilda Elizabeth Uthe and Nelson Dennis Thompson. Derrill was raised in Follett, Texas, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939.  He served in World War II on Destroyers in the Pacific Theater as a Chief Radioman and survived the sinking of two ships. Derrill moved to Beaumont in 1945. He was retired from the Instrument Department with BF Goodrich. Derrill was a member of South Park Masonic Lodge and Order of Knights Templar. 

Survivors include his daughters, Jan Corder of Austin, Jennifer Stanfield and her husband Larry of Beaumont, and Melodie Thompson and her husband Larry McEvoy of Houston; grandchildren, Amy DeHart Smith of Austin, Dave DeHart and his wife Julie and Emily Swanson and her husband Chris all of Beaumont; great grandchildren, Matthew Smith, Kawika DeHart, Britney Willett, Jason Willett, Bailey Swanson, Scout Swanson, McKinly Bunn, and Rowdie Swanson; sisters, Helene Thompson, Ethel Bruce and Theola Doebele; brother, Ray Thompson; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-seven years, Rosie Marie Sedivy Thompson; parents; sisters, Ione Mensing and Alice Wade; and son-in-law, Michael P. Corder.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at Wesley United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Larry Stanfield, Larry McEvoy, Amy Smith, Dave DeHart, Kawika DeHart and Chris Swanson will serve as pallbearers.  South Park Lodge Members will serve as honorary pallbearers. A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at the church.

The family wishes to thank the 50/50 Sunday School Class and Chancel Choir of Wesley United Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.