Paul E. Thompson

THOMPSON, Paul Eugene Passed away on September 7, 2011 at his home in Santa Barbara at the age of 94 surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born February 5, 1917 in Black Rock, Arkansas to John Thompson and Edith Kane. The family moved to Muscatine, Iowa where he met the love of his life, Margaret Luth, in an alley playing baseball. He served in the U.S. Air Corp from 1942 to 1946 stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Paul & Margaret kept up a courtship by writing daily letters to each other. Margaret moved out to Nevada in 1944 and they were married in Las Vegas where they raised their family of 6 children. Paul owned a business "Nevada Blind and Floor" for many years. In 1965 the family moved to Santa Barbara and Paul opened "Santa Barbara Screen and Shade" which along with his son Randy stayed in business for 44 years. Paul was an avid antique radio collector and was president of the Antique Radio Society. His wife was the treasurer and together they traveled to many radio meets. He could always be found tinkering in his workshop on his old wireless, crystal and battery sets and Victrolas and juke boxes listening to big band music. His other hobbies were book binding, bowling, playing pinochle and traveling. He was an avid reader and was very knowledgeable about many subjects. The true love of his life was his home and family. He often said the best thing he ever did was marry Margaret. He always sang her praises and thought of her as the best woman in the world. He also had enormous love for all his children, grand and great grandchildren who loved and adored him. He was a kind, gentle, patient, dependable man who led a simple life and was very content and good natured to all. He lived through amazing times from horse & buggies to Model -T's, through several wars and yet he was active on his computer well into his 90's. He led a full life and will be missed but never forgotten. Paul was preceded in death by daughter Cindy in 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 year Margaret, children; Nancy (Armando), Randy (Lorrie), Sally (John), Patsy, and Peggy, grand and great grandchildren; Allegra, Solana, Zaira, Lianna, Lisa, Kaliyah, Ryan, Rene, Evan, Reyna, Ciela, Tracy, Paloma, Izabella, Santino and a new baby on the way. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mission Terrace for their relentless care and support and also also his friend Al who took care of him up until the very end., A viewing and Rosary will be held Tuesday, September 13 from 2-4:30 at Welch & Ryce on Sola St. Funeral service will be at San Roque Church on Wednesday September 14 at 10:00 am followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. There will be a reception afterward at the San Vicente Mobile Home Clubhouse. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Life Chronicles.

Paul E. Thompson

February 5, 1917 - September 7, 2011