Obituary | Thomas Leo Thompson

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Obituary | Thomas Leo Thompson

Thomas Leo Thompson
Courtesy photo
Thomas Leo Thompson

Thomas Leo Thompson, a longtime professor of microbiology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, died Aug. 9. He was 93.

Thompson was born in Gering, Nebraska, on Dec. 8, 1922 to Thomas and Margaret (Swan) Thompson. He grew up during the Great Depression on a farm outside of Gering. After graduating from Gering High School, Thompson attended the University of Nebraska and received a bachelor’s degree. He also earned a doctorate from the University of Texas in Austin and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On Nov. 27, 1946, Thompson married Margaret Glebe in Lincoln. And, from 1952 to 1987, he served as a faculty member at Nebraska. During his tenure, Thompson also served as chair of the microbiology department.

In his spare time, Thompson enjoyed gardening, being an artist and spending time with his grandchildren.

Thompson is survived by his children, Karen and her husband, Richard Hawley, Lincoln; Judy Thompson, Sioux City, Iowa; and Robert Thompson, Port Orange, Fla.; grandchildren Megan and her husband, Nate Bourguin, Alliance; Katie Shepard, Lincoln; and Andrew Hawley, Englewood, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a sister, Cecelia Westervelt.

Memorials in his name may be directed to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. A memorial service was held Aug. 20.

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