Dr. Henry Thompson III
ST. LOUIS — Dr. Henry “Tommy” Clay Thompson III born in St. Louis on November 20, 1920 passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at his home in Novato, Calif. Tommy grew up in Bonne Terre, attending Bonne Terre High School, Class of 1936. His education continued with Washington University where he attained a BA degree, St. Louis School of Dentistry, University of Pittsburg attaining a MS degree and he served his residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Thompson was an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon.
Tommy began his military career at West Point in New York. Throughout his 29 year career with the Army he was stationed in the Philippines; Fort Knox, Kent.; Germany; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Lewis, Wash., and Hawaii. His final assignment was at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco, where he retired as Chief of Dental Services. While in the Army, Tommy received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Award; Army Commendation Award on three different occasions and a Certificate of Achievement in Oral Surgery. He also served as a consultant to the Surgeon in the Pacific during the Vietnam War.
After retiring from the Army, Tommy began a teaching career which included the University of California School of Dentistry, the University of Pacific School of Dentistry and the VA Hospital in Palo Alto.
Tommy was a Shriner in addition to being a member of the American Dental Assoc., the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, the American Society of Oral Surgeons, the Society of Sigma Xi, Hawaii Society of Oral Surgeons, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and the American Board of Oral Surgery.
Surviving family members include his wife of 60 years Barbara of Novato, Calif.; daughter Gay (Chuck) Mitchell of Portland, Ore.; son Clay (Susan) Thompson of Challenge, Calif.; and son Jim (LaDonna) Thompson of Petaluma, Calif.; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Services will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 1180 Lynwood Dr. in Novato, Calif. A reception will be held at the church following the service.
The family request memorial contributions be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Services under the direction of Keaton’s Redwood Chapel.
