Alfred Leon “Al” Thompson, 88, died June 14, 2008, at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in St. James, Mo. He was a former resident of Chanute for 52 years.

He was born Aug. 27, 1919, in Drake, Okla., to Effie and Jess Thompson. He graduated from Reed High School, Reed, Okla., and received an associate’s degree from Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. During World War II he served with the Army Corps of Engineers and following active duty was a member of the Army Reserves until retiring with the rank of Major in 1958.

On May 2, 1942, he married Gana Marvell Wallis, Springfield, Mo., and their union lasted 50 years.

Al worked for several heavy construction equipment companies prior to opening his own heavy equipment repair business, the AL Thompson Company in Chanute. After 42 years in business, he closed the doors and retired in 2000.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1654 and the First Methodist Church.

Al is survived by a daughter, Gana Kay Harris and her husband, James P. Harris, St. James, Mo.; a brother, Carlos Maynard Thompson, Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers, LeVelle Thompson and Harold Thompson.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Springfield, Mo., with the Rev. Larry Hooper, Christ Episcopal Church in Rolla, Mo., officiating. James and Gahr, St. James, Mo., are in charge of arrangements.