Lionel Walter Thomson
EL PASO - Lionel Walter Thomson
September 16, 1930-November 26, 2023
Lionel Walter Thomson, known to all as Wally, went to be with his Lord at age 93 on November 26,
2023. He went peacefully at home with his family by his side.
As a lifelong El Pasoan, Wally loved people, never met a stranger, and his kindness and generosity was well known. He was devoted to his wife and perfect compliment, Jane Hines Thomson for 71 years. He was a loving father of five rowdy children, who often brought many friends, acquaintances, pets and strays home. Wally loved his extensive family and looked at life and everyone through rose colored glasses.
Wally began accumulating friends and education through attendance at St. Patrick Cathedral Grade
School, Cathedral High School, St. Edward’s University, and St. Louis University. He received a BA in Economics from Texas Western College, and graduate study in business at UTEP. He played the tuba in high school but, thankfully, no more. Wally enjoyed several sports playing football and baseball in high school and college and also enjoyed hunting and shooting. Later in life he took up tennis, running and then golf.
Wally had a great love for his country and his first career was in Military Service. In 1948, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve on active duty with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Nicolas (DDE 449) during the Korean War and served as a First Lieutenant and Main Battery Officer, with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. His decorations included National Defense, Korean Defense 2nd Star in Lieu of Third Award, Combat Action Ribbon, United Nations Medal, Korean Unit Citation, China Service, Naval Reserve Medal, and Armed Forces Medal. He served in the Naval Reserve as a Division Officer, Training Officer , Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of large surface division. He retired in 1979 with the rank of Commander.
Professionally, Wally was President of Mayfield Lumber and Container
Corporation where he operated the corrugated sheet plant for 30 years, and was also founder and then President of Western Playland Inc. for 10 years.
Wally was very involved in the Catholic Church serving at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the Parish Council and served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Wally and Jane also served in the Funeral Ministry. Later they attended Our Lady of Assumption. Wally enjoyed traveling with Jane overseas and all over the U.S and Canada where they could explore their genealogy since Wally was an avid researcher.
Wally was also active in many organizations including Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Scout Master and committee chairman of Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus - Grand Knight and District Deputy, Serra Club, Diocesan Vocation Council, Order of Alhambra, El Paso Genealogical Society, and Texas State Genealogical Society.
Wally exemplified a life well lived and we miss him greatly. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane, daughter Ann Thomson Weathers, son Thomas Thomson, and grandson Dale Weathers. He is survived by sons Lionel Walter Thomson and wife, Wendy of Las Cruces New Mexico, Patrick Thomson and wife, Shawna of El Paso Texas, daughter-in-law Patricia Thomson, of Fallbrook California and Michael Thomson of Palmer, Alaska. Also grandchildren Grace Robertson (Cody), Margaret Hooge (Tim), David Thomson (Kayla), Elisabeth Arredondo (Alan), William Thomson (Hayley), Joshua Thomson (Heather), John Wilson (Esther), Mallory Sexton (Cody), James Thomson (Kaitlyn), Hannah Corey (Austin) and Megan LaGrange (Ross) and 28 great grandchildren!
The entire Thomson family would like to acknowledge with profound gratitude the loving care Wally received over the last few years from Daniela, Emma, Martha and Sylvia. They have been like family and have blessed us with their extraordinary care.
Wally will be interred at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at a later date in a private service.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Navy Special Warfare Operations Foundation (NSOF).